🔆The Circle, Complete

After writing this, I realized this post could've easily lived on my Blog's "About" page. However, its broad account is probably a bit much (understated) for that particular spot. But reflecting on life enables us to see a much larger picture, instead of gazing down at a table full of puzzle pieces, never seeing or being able to appreciate the whole design. This is my circle, complete.

Over 25 years ago we bought some land to build a house. We found the plans and built our dream. We put so much thought into every detail. In thoughtful preparation, we considered everyone's needs, from aging parents to our son and daughter. I imagined the soft, yet distinctive, sweet summer perfume of gardenia blooms lilting on the warm summer air through the children's bedroom windows. A fragrance I hoped would remind them of home, and that they would remember as they grew. The gardenias were planted beneath each bedroom window, and so it was. And when some would say, "It's just a house," they didn't understand it was much more to me; it was a haven of retreat, a blessing, an answer to a crying little girl's prayer, and the continued desire as a young woman to one day live in a home that housed the Shalom of the Holy One, love and comfort.

We raised our children there in that house- a daughter and a son. In the front yard we planted roses, and in the trees, we hung chimes for the fingers of the wind to tickle at will. In the ground with many tears we buried our beloved pets, and pulled the weeds between the seasons. We held our breath as our daughter married after college, divorced, found love again, fought a cancer scare with breast surgery, and adopted a blessing, an answer to our long-awaited prayers- the gift of her baby boy- our grandson.

We watched our son move beyond the bleached, highlighted hair, jean-jacket-wearing, guitar-playing twenty-something, to become a dedicated family man, and watched his heart melt when he was called "Daddy." I opened my home to my aging mother and watched her blue eyes grow dim over a few short years, and slowly drift away. Many said, "Just let it go; it's time to move on, Melody; it's just a house."

I cooked the meals, I cleaned the house, and I made special occasions happen on a grand scale. I commuted to work for over 30 years, received awards, and wore the shoes of success. Some have hearts that wander from the mountains to rolling vineyards and to the sea. They're seeking another adventure, a change of scenery, a new horizon to watch the sunset over places they've longed to see. They do so with restlessness and hunger, always seeking another place to be, often missing the beauty of where they are, continually driven to be somewhere else.

Now I sit on my porch in a rocker and stroke the striped fur of the family cat, remembering all the life and love we've had; how the timeline and gray hair have progressed. I savored every summer breeze and sound of laughter. I appreciated the time that the Creator allowed me to enjoy the fruits of my labor; a beautiful place to lay my head and live without fear, as I once did earlier in my youth. Though I kept that pain hidden most often, I knew the value of keeping it close. By never forgetting where I came from, and the miraculous hand of Elohim that protected me, I never lost the gift of gratitude for the manifestation of love, a home, and my family- a divine, gracious gift that became a reality.

I have more life behind me now than I have left ahead. I've given from my heart, often unnoticed, and of my time, still smiling, though reeling in pain. I've broken bread and shared my table, heart and home, with visitors and family alike. There have been tears of sorrow and loss, tears of joy, and yes- tears of regret; but I have LIVED, and had it all.

If these walls could talk, they'd testify of an atmosphere soaked in prayers, fun, giggling laughter, joy, contentment, and more love than I could contain at times, as those close by witnessed often, tears of overflowing gratitude that they didn't understand. I lived to see retirement, brought on a few years early by debilitating back pain from the years of being willing to work for what I had and care for others to the best of my ability. I lived to experience extraordinary little ones who gave me the privilege of being called "Gigi."

When my time comes, I'll go knowing that life was a completed circle of love, and the winding road of life's experiential lessons made me better and wiser for it. I valued every welcoming hug as much as every cheek kissed goodbye. And still, there'll be those who don't understand the rich value of a heart that appreciates and rejoices in every "little" thing, which are actually many little "gifts" given by a gracious and mighty hand.

As dust I'll return, resting within the earth. With a new body, I'll rise immortal, and His Kingdom will be worth it all.

If this touched your heart please do these 2 things-

• Take a listen to this song by Artist, JJ Heller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHPZDu51hxM

• Please leave a comment and let me know you were here. I'd love to hear your perspective, too.