Spiritual Things Matter

There is no way to happiness – happiness is the way. ~The Buddha

Yesterday, I had one of those perfect days where all seemed right and well with the world. One of those days, where despite of all the troubling happenings one hears and reads on the news programs, blogs, and television, the world seemed somehow right in my own heart and mind.

It all began in the morning when my children kept calling me, instructing me by saying, “Mama, please don’t come into the kitchen yet!” I smiled because I had a hunch that they were planning to surprise me with something really special. Finally, with excitement and glowing faces, they came and brought me into the kitchen. My children had fixed a wonderful breakfast just for me. The table was covered with a pretty tablecloth and my son lit candles to set the mood for this special moment. On the table I found French Toast and eggs, which I had recently shown my children how to fix. They cut the toast into tiny pieces and sprinkled it with powdered sugar. My daughter had placed pieces of bananas into a cereal bowl and mixed the fruit with my favorite yogurt. She proudly told me, “Mama, I know how much you love yogurt with fruit”, I hugged her and smiled – all the while pretending that I did not see the splattered egg mix everywhere and the eggs shells lying around on the greasy counter-top. I also closed my eyes to the many dirty utensils and dishes that were used in this process of making breakfast for me.

As I marveled at their love and thoughtfulness, I sat down to eat. They huddled over me like little bumblebees asking me after every bite I took, if my breakfast was really good. Since it was not my birthday nor was it even Mother’s Day, I asked them what the special occasion was. Their reply simply was, “Mama, we wanted to surprise you because we love you.” Hesitatingly, they acknowledged that the kitchen was really a mess and it would take them a long time to clean it up. I told them since they had done such a terrific job making breakfast, I would clean the kitchen. It was such a delightful moment and one that I will remember for a long time.

In the afternoon, we attended a performance in which my daughter participated. She had been attending a music camp for the last couple of years which lasts for one week each summer. At the end of the week, they do a performance for all the parents. My daughter loves music and singing, feeling completely comfortable in that environment. She was especially excited since her grandparents and great-grandmother were also able to attend and enjoy the show. I marveled at how the children could memorize these songs and movements to the songs in just one week. After the show, I saw dear friends whom I cherish and my children saw a few teachers from school, as well as some of their friends.

Later in the evening, we were invited, along with a second couple, to another friends’ home, for a fish dinner. We all enjoyed a wonderful time together, filled with laughter, great conversations, great food, and a genuine concern and love for each other. It really was a perfect ending for a perfect day!