Hmm . . . guess I better pay attention!

I went to a get together on Friday and a new friend of mine -- who happens to be a disabled Veteran -- told me how much he appreciated knowing me and how much he respected me.  He described me as a strong and determined person who inspired him.  I was very humbled by the whole experience . . . and, frankly, a little embarrassed.  Here was a man who had served my country and made significant sacrifices -- someone I respect and honor -- and he was inspired by me!  Honestly, if it had ended there, I may have chalked it up to just one of those things and eventually put the experience to the back of my mind.  I would have been honored, but that is where it would have ended -- mainly because I frequently do not even realize or recognize how/why others see me as an example.  In fact, I said as much to this person that night, stating that 'I was just being me' (which he basically told me was the point!).  But, the incidents that followed the next day have made me realize that I am being called to do something . . . I may not yet know what, exactly, but I am beginning to know where to look.

So, what happened?  The next day, I went to the County Fair and two things happened that strongly affected me.  The first was a Tarot reading.  It was just one of those 'quickies' that you can get at these events -- but the reader was excellent and hit on some very significant realities.   One of the things that she brought up in the reading was that I was an example and and a 'light' to those around me -- someone that provided inspiration that others found strength from.  I was shocked at how similar her language was to the words chosen by my friend the evening before . . . it was as if I was being tapped on the shoulder and being told to pay attention.

Following this reading, we wandered over to the area where a small Pow Wow was taking place.  We were hoping to find a place to sit in the shade where we could watch, listen, and enjoy the singing and dancing.  Unfortunately, there were no seats out of the sun, but immediately upon our arrival, the master of ceremonies (for want of a better term) called all Veterans into the dance area so that they could be honored for their service and sacrifice.  It took quite a lot of coaxing to get any veteran to approach and be honored -- but once one did, several more followed.  As more Veterans entered the circle, the energy being raised by the singers and dancers in honor of these amazing individuals was indescribable.  The pressure in my chest was staggering . . . my eyes were filled with tears I was unable to shed . . . my breath was labored . . . my heart raced . . . and all I could do was stand their and watch this remarkable scene.  Once again, I felt as if the universe was telling me to pay attention!

I may not know exactly how to move forward with this.  I believe that teaching by example and working with Veterans are two important elements to what will develop.  I am confident that, in time, I will be given a solid direction -- one that will nurture others as well as myself . . . one that will prove fulfilling and marvelous!  May I stay open and receptive to the signs and signals that will come my way!

What's the Message?

Okay -- so I got back from a trip a little over a week ago and it has taken that long to get back into some kind of routine . . . sometimes I wonder if vacations are really worth it!  This one was a very strange one . . . so many glitches!

One glitch in particular keeps popping into my head -- as if it is significant in some way, I just don't know why.  Let me share . . .

On this trip, we travelled by car spending two days on the road each way.  So, we are on our way home on the first day and as soon as we get onto the highway, it becomes clear that something is up with the winged creatures.  First it was the birds.  It was as if any birds in the area had decided that our care was a kamikaze target!  We had dozens of near misses -- no really -- like SERIOUS near misses.  Finally, one bird committed what I can only assume was suicide by flying right into the right side mirror.  While I don't know for sure that the bird died, it managed to fold back the side mirror with the impact so I doubt very seriously that the poor creature survived.

But, it did not end there.  For the next few hours, we continued to have several near misses by birds.  In addition to the birds, we were bombarded by LOTS of big bugs.  We had more bug guts on the windshield in the first two hours of the drive home than we did the entire trip out.  All the while it was happening, I kept asking "What the heck is up with the birds?!"  "What are they and the bugs trying to tell me?"

I still haven't figured it out . . . anyone out there have any thoughts?