Journal of Sacred Work

Note: Weekend essay by guest contributor ~liz Sorensen Wessel

Thanksgiving  provides ample opportunity to reflect on an abundance of blessings in our midst. The anticipation of celebrating with family and friends is often coupled with our expectations, as we envision a perfect occasion spent with loved ones. Yet, the expectations we conjure in our minds may take us down a slippery slope of disappointment.

 Unless of course, we choose to see a little differently. I find that when I let go of my preconceived notions and surrender to life’s poignant contradictions and paradoxes, little surprises arise that can delight one's soul.

 Moments of  little  surprises laced with abiding love:

•  Some come in spontaneous; split second decisions that well up suddenly and spill over in a resounding yes, as intuition spurs us forward (like a first step one never regrets.)
•  As an unexpected conversation, that takes us both beyond mere social pleasantries into a sense of wonder.
•  In hearts that risk opening to vulnerability with a desire to cross the threshold of acceptance to the sacredness of unconditional love and friendship (as revealed in a true Anam Cara.) A treasured friend, who has space for feelings without judgment, does not try to fix, nor tell us how we should feel.
•  At a time of great loss, for some reason you and I were there, listening and bearing witness as a bereaved lover gave testimony to the immensity of love.
• I left S. Dakota in the very early morning the day after Thanksgiving. My son drove me to the airport and we chatted as the car weaved through the darkness of the country roads. My granddaughter chirped sweet sing-song chatter in the back seat. The sun was busy awakening sky's passion in deep crimson, turning indigo blue, then golden.
•  Touching upon emptiness, we learn how to befriend our fears.
• A mom catches the magnificent spirit of her little girl as she takes a walk in the woods.

 Writing this tonight, I feel an affinity towards the little surprises that catch us unaware and catapult us into mindful awareness of the preciousness of our relationships with each other. It is in this spirit that I wish to share an extraordinary video, contributed by our dear Journal friend, Candace Nagle.

 ~liz Sorensen Wessel

  Note: above photo above taken by my niece, Lisa Gayle Italiano of her Daughter Raegan