Easter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40_QRjjAvTA


 This past weekend was Easter, and it was the first one I didn't spend with any of my family. Long story there, but I was able to attend some wonderful services both on Friday and Monday, and I had a family very close to me come and have dinner at my apartment on the Friday night.

 When my friends came for dinner, it was the parents and their three daughters (sweetest kids ever, BTW) . I had myself mentally prepared for a somewhat depressing weekend, what with it being a significant occasion that I was not able to spend with my son, first one living alone, etc. When my friends came, I was presented with the world's coolest chocolate bunny, and a card that they all filled out. I was absolutely blown away, and struggled to maintain my composure when I read the kindest words in that card. It really drove the point home to me, about how lucky I really am, and just how generous my friends can be. They have many relatives and friends, and a very active life, and yet they made the time to share the holiday with me.

 Another first for me this weekend was attending a church service for the Easter weekend. Now, I'm in no position to preach to anyone, but I have been learning a lot at these services. People, relationships, thoughts, are things that have been a very helpful part of me rebuilding my life. During the service I attended on the Sunday, there was an excerpt from the teaching that really put some perspective on the dynamics I'm going  through. Part of the teaching pointed to the fact that as people, we often want or expect wrath or vengeance to be visited on others who may have wronged us, or at least as we define it. In the same breath, we wish to only receive love, forgiveness and understanding. That's easy enough to process, but the challenge happens when we may become the target of another's wrath, or when we need to give love and understanding to someone else. In addition, is it enough to just be available to people in need, and to not wish wrath on them? For me, I have been ridiculously stubborn in my life, and I really don't like to ask for help.With regards to my friends, had they not gone the extra mile and demonstrate their kindness, would I have asked for it? I'm certain that most people I know would help if asked, and that has a degree of comfort in it. To answer the question though, I likely would not have asked. The fact is though, I do need their help and kindness, and is it ever amazing to have them reach out to me, as they do with so many people in their lives. If I've learned something here, it's that it really is important to reach out to people, and not necessarily wait until the request is dropped in your lap. For me, the happiness it brought me this weekend, and on many other occasions with this wonderful family, just can't be described. It motivates me to want to be a better person, and at the same time I'm overcome with gratitude for knowing them. I sure don't feel like I deserve that much kindness, but I am determined to become worthy of that consideration by trying to do the same for others. I suppose that's why I referenced the song in the link; I do feel like I am being lifted from a wreckage. And to the family I have been writing about, I will forever be in your debt. I love you guys