Joyously Contagious
It’s been a long time since I’ve written. I think this last year was a bit of a blur and even when I sit to let everything sink in, it’s just too much. But today I feel it calling. I noticed the nudge last night and woke early this morning with a craving for a crackling fire, bittersweet coffee, and laptop keys at my fingertips.
I’ve noticed my feelings rise up periodically, often in the most mundane of times this past month. For instance yesterday as I took part in a monthly team meeting at work I was overwhelmed with blessing.
I was incredibly aware of the energies surrounding me and couldn’t help but absorb them and allow myself to float a bit. Similar to my situation at Make-A-Wish, this team is genuinely available to one another and those they serve. They are a different group of individuals for certain, but nonetheless graciously and purposefully present.
They have a respect for the differences that melt together as we encompassed the conference room. I observed as they innately celebrated one another’s achievements and laughed at personal quirks. As I watched them, I realized a smirk had stretched across my face and I knew then… I am in love with this recently acquired extended family. They are a beautiful group, perfect in their imperfections and joyously contagious.
After the meeting I went back to my office and ran into my officemate. During yesterdays development meeting she shared that her husband was laid off. He was the director of development at the largest printing company in the nation. In his 30+ years in the business his company has seen 5 mergers and take-over’s. This time, unfortunately, corporate greed demanded his job. Now, at the age of 54, he’s lost for what to do next.
My colleague was upset and uncertain and began to share a bit more about the recent difficult news. She worries for her husband, a confessed work-aholic, who traveled most weekdays, worked most nights after dinner and woke up that morning next to her, a bit aimless, with no plane or meeting to catch.
“They took his phone and laptop and escorted him from the building in a few short minutes, per protocol. He sat at the kitchen island this morning, without even a mobile to look up numbers he needed and getting frustrated as he tried to learn how to use the home computer.”
She also reflected on how her children’s reactions have been the most difficult. “We video chatted with my daughter in Vancouver yesterday and she was crying and it was so hard. I found myself instinctively wiping the screen as though I could wipe her tears away.”
As mom and wife, she is the person the family often turns to, “I am the tough one that everyone leans on, but today I am just feeling very emotional,” she explained.
As she packed to leave for the weekend I expressed that I was grateful that she shared this with me.
Since that moment, I can’t shake her out of my mind or heart. She is a woman that exemplifies grace under pressure and as her eyes teared up yesterday, I was encompassed by her worry, sadness, disappointment, and uncertainty.
Perhaps it’s because I am old enough now to understand the true impact of such hardships. Perhaps it’s because in my short time in this new position, I’ve already grown to appreciate these colleagues and the love and joy they add to my day. Perhaps it’s the imagery of a family disrupted by a bottom line…
Whatever the reason, I am taking time this morning to sit and relish in the blessings of being able to live with these people - through the good and the bad. I am present today, thankful that although I am not always great at it, today at least I am fully open to giving and receiving love.
I hope your Saturday’s doors are wide open to the people and energies that may grace your entryway. Welcome them and all they bring - you will experience no greater joy, of that I can assure you.
In peace,
Bobbie