First of all, let me apologize for my extended absence.
But I have a very good reason!
A baby boy was born into our family on Monday, November 4, 2019! Son of my son. My grandson! Andrew Jose. He is so beautiful! There is nothing like a newborn baby to heal and restore!
He was born 24 days early, but you wouldn't know it to look at him! He was a healthy 6 lbs, 6 oz and was 19 1/4 inches long!
Being born early and healthy are a blessing in itself. But to put the icing on the cake, this gives my son 24 more days to enjoy his presence until he goes away.
My son's fiance's mother calls it "furthering one's education". And that it shall.
I have had a lot on my plate, my heart and mind lately. I have missed sharing my thoughts with you all, but I've had much to ponder.
I was pondering, praying and literally feeling sorry for myself last week when I almost died. Twice.
I was waiting for the walk sign at the crosswalk. I was very distracted with my "woe is me" thoughts. As soon as I got the "walk", I did just that. Let me add it was dark, I was wearing a long black coat and there are very few pedestrians here in Vancouver. I suddenly noticed the car turning left in the intetsection was not slowing down as they approached me! I leaped to the side, only to be blinded by a second pair of headlights in front of me. Somehow I avoided death by sprinting across the street. I said aloud, "What is wrong with people?!" I was shaken, but kept walking, turning on the flashlight feature of my phone. Oddly, there were no horns honking, no-one asked if I was ok. Maybe they didn't even see me?
I told myself I need to be more aware, more present.
And now I recall that two days ago, at the library I checked out several books about being more present, including a book by Thomas Merton and one by Thich Nat Hanh. I recalled a quote I read by Buddha last night, which said something like, "Be present or you will miss your entire life".
I realized if I had died in that crosswalk, my church choir would lose an accompanist, my kids would lose their mom, my grandchildren would lose their Zma, my parents would lose their daughter, my brother would lose a sister, my nieces and nephews would lose their aunt, my students would lose a teacher and my friends would lose a friend.
I was quiet during choir practice. I did not tell them what happened. I just focused on the music. But afterwards, as I walked back to the same intersection (with flashlight on!), I felt tears well up.
I think I have missed out on much of my life by not being present. I keep myself a bit removed from most people because of my perceived sensitive nature. I tell myself if I don't get too close, I won't get hurt.
I felt my spirits sinking very low. Feeling like I have let people down, most of all myself. Just then, I noticed a sign in front of me. I had the sense to take a picture of it. I will never forget the feeling that came over me, seeing it in my path when I needed it most!
Something shifted in my soul. A wave of gratitude and a feeling of Presence. My own and what I could only describe as the Holy Spirit.
And today I am feeling thankful again. Coincidentally (or not), one of the songs we are singing in church tomorrow is "Give Thanks". I have been humming it all day.
And today has been a very good day.
I hope to talk to you again soon!
Love,
Zita
P.S. I am still practicing intermittent fasting. Going on my fifth month! Hooping daily and going to the gym 2 to days a week. Also, my lungs and sinuses are at this moment clear! :)
But I have a very good reason!
A baby boy was born into our family on Monday, November 4, 2019! Son of my son. My grandson! Andrew Jose. He is so beautiful! There is nothing like a newborn baby to heal and restore!
 |
| Andrew Jose |
He was born 24 days early, but you wouldn't know it to look at him! He was a healthy 6 lbs, 6 oz and was 19 1/4 inches long!
Being born early and healthy are a blessing in itself. But to put the icing on the cake, this gives my son 24 more days to enjoy his presence until he goes away.
My son's fiance's mother calls it "furthering one's education". And that it shall.
I have had a lot on my plate, my heart and mind lately. I have missed sharing my thoughts with you all, but I've had much to ponder.
I was pondering, praying and literally feeling sorry for myself last week when I almost died. Twice.
I was waiting for the walk sign at the crosswalk. I was very distracted with my "woe is me" thoughts. As soon as I got the "walk", I did just that. Let me add it was dark, I was wearing a long black coat and there are very few pedestrians here in Vancouver. I suddenly noticed the car turning left in the intetsection was not slowing down as they approached me! I leaped to the side, only to be blinded by a second pair of headlights in front of me. Somehow I avoided death by sprinting across the street. I said aloud, "What is wrong with people?!" I was shaken, but kept walking, turning on the flashlight feature of my phone. Oddly, there were no horns honking, no-one asked if I was ok. Maybe they didn't even see me?
I told myself I need to be more aware, more present.
And now I recall that two days ago, at the library I checked out several books about being more present, including a book by Thomas Merton and one by Thich Nat Hanh. I recalled a quote I read by Buddha last night, which said something like, "Be present or you will miss your entire life".
I realized if I had died in that crosswalk, my church choir would lose an accompanist, my kids would lose their mom, my grandchildren would lose their Zma, my parents would lose their daughter, my brother would lose a sister, my nieces and nephews would lose their aunt, my students would lose a teacher and my friends would lose a friend.
I was quiet during choir practice. I did not tell them what happened. I just focused on the music. But afterwards, as I walked back to the same intersection (with flashlight on!), I felt tears well up.
I think I have missed out on much of my life by not being present. I keep myself a bit removed from most people because of my perceived sensitive nature. I tell myself if I don't get too close, I won't get hurt.
I felt my spirits sinking very low. Feeling like I have let people down, most of all myself. Just then, I noticed a sign in front of me. I had the sense to take a picture of it. I will never forget the feeling that came over me, seeing it in my path when I needed it most!
Something shifted in my soul. A wave of gratitude and a feeling of Presence. My own and what I could only describe as the Holy Spirit.
And today I am feeling thankful again. Coincidentally (or not), one of the songs we are singing in church tomorrow is "Give Thanks". I have been humming it all day.
Give Thanks
by Don Moen
"Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"
And today has been a very good day.
I hope to talk to you again soon!
Love,
Zita
P.S. I am still practicing intermittent fasting. Going on my fifth month! Hooping daily and going to the gym 2 to days a week. Also, my lungs and sinuses are at this moment clear! :)
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