Stop and See the Love

Stop and See the Love

 My life moves rather fast. If I’m not careful, I could miss all the instances of love that are everywhere waiting for me to just notice.

On Easter Sunday, I went from Savannah, Georgia to Southern Utah.

I could feel bad about not being at my own church on Easter Sunday, but then I’d be denying the power of that evening mass the night before, which left me feeling even more connected to all that is. I’d also miss the power of Love in the beautiful mountains in Utah, complete with caribou sighting. 

Love, like God is everywhere.

I could complain about missing my 2-year-old granddaughter’s Easter egg hunt, where she’d, for the first time, find her own eggs. But if I did, I’d be missing all the love that came from my daughter, who after working late, got up to take her niece to that hunt. She sent pictures and shared wonderful stories of joy and love that was extended to my granddaughter who was a tad slower than the older kids. Those faster kids turned around and emptied their baskets to Alayna. 

Love is everywhere.

I could complain about two flights and a 3-hour car ride, but then I’d have to forget the words of my mother, who was born 100 years ago. To her, all travel was “still faster than the pony express.” She’d marvel at how far I’d gone in the same day.

 Love never leaves; like our ancestors, it’s still with us and is everywhere.

I could be bothered by the fact that I’m not in a big hotel, one that comes with room service; but if I did, there would be something wrong with me. I’m in a beautifully cozy executive suite. The hosts filled my refrigerator with vegan meals and treats that I couldn’t have gotten from any room service menu. 

Love is in this room and it’s everywhere.

I could complain about not being with my family, but then I’d miss the love of the strangers I met on my journey. Love was in the joyful announcement of the flight attendant who told me that they all loved my work. It was in the driver who made sure that I was comfortable and told me that I could have as many stops as I needed.

There was love in the passenger who sat next to me on the flight. He didn’t speak the entire four hours, but when it was time to go, he asked which bag mine was, and lovingly got it down for me.

Stop and see the love. It’s always there, but when you complain, you miss it.

Be you Be Well, Be Loved

Bertice Berry, PhD