Mikey's Playground (Lisa)

Peals of laughter went bouncing across the empty playground. Except for Mikey, Papa and me, Omi, we had the whole place to ourselves. I listened to the joy my three year old grandson felt for just being alive, being present in this moment. He had no worries or troubles at such a trembling time in our country. In that moment, I got swept up into the swirl of it all, just Mikey, Papa and me

Let’s kick the ball Omi! Let’s fly the airplane! Go down the slide with me! Push me papa! There were so many things to do and play, so much joy to be had!

Mikey reminds me of the Joy-Love that is God. He is still present on the most trying of days. I read recently that when someone has a tragedy, they often say it’s the simple ordinary things they miss the most. It’s true, I miss so many treasured moments with my daughter Claire but there are so many sacred, ordinary things happening in my world right now, things to be noticed and to be grateful for.

January 6th felt like a tragedy, a death of sorts and I find myself missing the simple things; a country that respects each other, compromises, working together for the good of all. I miss the feeling that though we “all came here in different ways, on different boats, we are all in the same boat now”. I miss simple love and kindness, the sharing of joy and peace with others who think very differently than I. I want to hope they respect me and want to share with me in the same way.

I want to be a catalyst in my own life but I also want to be present enough to see it happening in front of me and grateful enough to thank God for it and so, I begin with my neighbor.

Thank you, my neighbor for loving me, respecting me, considering me, thinking of me, playing with me, sharing the joy and love of God even though we think differently, vote differently.

There are so many things to do and play on this playground of life, so much joy to be had! Thank you, Lord for it all. Help me be a better citizen of the world You created. Amen