Friday, May 16, 2008

Dearest God,

I opened the bedroom window when I woke up this morning. As I lay back in bed with a fever and infection the smell of lilacs wafted into my bedroom. Immediately I opened all my windows allowing the sweet fragrance to fill my home.

I have a Korean lilac bush in my contemplative garden near the bedroom window. I also have one out front near the porch. The scent of the purple blossoms hung in the air outdoors. My whole property was filled with the beautiful perfume.

Never have I noticed the smell of lilacs in my home and the lilacs have been here nearly 10 years. What is it that caused the flowers to give off such a sweet smell this year? More rain? Less rain? Last year's drought making a hardier plant this year? More sunshine? Less? Something in the soil? The answer is "I don't know."

What I do know is that I received a gift from heaven. Flowers to fill every room. A perfume to smell all day and all night long. Even now as I write I can smell them.

My mom loved lilacs. It was her favorite flower. She would pick a few, place them in a vase, then set them on the dining room table. But I don't remember them ever smelling the way this year's blossoms smell.

Maybe I'm the only one who can smell them. Or not. Doesn't matter.

Being attentive to the gifts that come my way has become a matter of habit for me. I pay attention. I am interested. I don't want to miss anything. Certainly not miss thanking you for every gift you bring.

I am smiling.
My nose is
very happy
and so am I.
I am grateful
that I am no longer
stuffed up
so that
I would miss
the gift
that you brought
my way.
Thank you,
Most Giving God,
for your
most recent gift.
I am blessed
with bouquets
of lilacs.

Loving you, Andrea