This weekend, summer unofficially arises from the cold earth and skiing and already the rush is on. Boats in the water this weekend, cookouts planned, tourists on the highway heading to Cape Cod and/or Rhode Island beaches and life is coming back to the “normal” of summer traffic on the highway. Reminds me of an old saying: “God’s in His heaven and all is right with the world.” There is a comfort in traditions and rituals. We get to complain about tourists while being grateful they bring their business to our stores. (The craziness of humans.) Things are always changing and there can be excitement in that, or sadness, yet with some patterns staying the same, it gives a comfort to the stability of life.
I’ve got all my summer furniture out, ready for weekend dinners with the family and girlfriends over for a glass of wine, deep conversations, card games, and laughter. Just think of the joy and peace when there is something so predictable to look forward to…
Officially, however, this Memorial Day Weekend is about remembering all those who have died so we could be free. The families and soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guard, air force, and more, who have served us for centuries have paid a high price. Sadly, it is all about that saying:” All gave some, some gave all.” and reminding us to thank those who have and are serving. Our military, and their families, have consistently sacrificed to be that force that allows us to be. I personally am honored when I see our young men and women being given early seating on an airplane, bought a drink at the bar or given a sandwich when they are waiting for a plane. Their respect and thanksgiving are so well deserved.
Remembering all that, and then welcoming in summer seems to keep it all in balance. Gratitude, joy, and thanksgiving. Still, it is so easy to get caught into the rush of fitting 4-5 days of activities into the 3 three-day weekend. It does defeat the premise of time to reflect and to relax. Take some time this weekend to be at peace. To nest, to enjoy family, friends, and alone time if possible. Peace in our hearts and peace in our lives go hand in hand.
We’ve gone through a cold winter, even if the storms of our youth don’t seem to exist anymore up here in the northeast, the cold is still here. Having just gotten off the phone with a friend in the Carolinas, she reminded me it is in the 90’s down there. Not here…. Regardless of your weather, as summer vacations get closer, and schools let out, colleges are graduating new adults, and the pace changes. Let’s make it for the better.
Enjoy your wonderful long weekend if you have one. Live each day as the gift it is rather than simply as preparation for the next one. Stop and feel the breeze while looking around this beautiful world we get to share. How are you helping to bring peace to this world in joining us together? How are you joining us rather than dividing us today? Reconnecting our heart to our souls and to our lives is the first step. Then connecting ourselves to the theoretical “other “is the next step. Finally in the peace of that, remember all those who have walked before and those who will come after us. It is a weekend of memories, and a weekend of thanksgiving and peace. May you be filled with both.
