As I write on this beautiful June evening, the longest hours of daylight in the year, I listen to a collection of songs which I received in the mail today from a wonderful man. He has become so dear to my heart in just a few short months, after we connected in an e-course on The Spirituality of Gratitude. And each of us has become increasingly grateful for the other and for our growing relationship.
Today I had tea with a friend who has gone through a terrible physical ordeal. She struggles to come back to who she was before or to find a new direction, filled with conflicting emotions and uncertainties.
After she had shared her story, I felt it was OK to tell her about the "new life" I'm experiencing. After over five years of learning to be independent, of living alone, of surviving without my partner of 40 years, of suffering deep loneliness, God has opened the way to another love, one that is rich in every way, with God at the center. New love doesn't cancel the old, of course, but it brings discovery, hope, fun, delight, opportunities, joy, gratitude.
I could see how the radiance of my face was infectious; how my friend began to smile and how her eyes sparkled. The love he and I have found is spilling over into other lives, as each of us desires to be more patient, more trusting, more gracious, more pleasant with everyone we encounter, with all life. It is a privilege and joy to share our happiness with you, whoever reads this.
Jesus said, "I have come that you may have life and that you may have it more abundantly." May you find life ever more abundant, friend, even in the midst of all the fears, concerns, wonderments, changes, confusions. Love is stronger than all of it!
