Mother's Day

It was another usual Sunday for me yesterday. And I was in fact working hard in the morning - clearing up some chores I could not do on Saturday because I was away in Seremban facilitating a retreat! Well, on Saturday evening, we went out for dinner, which was the 'treat'. And yesterday, I did get big hugs from the grown 'young men' and a box of chocolates.

When I did my review of Saturday, I realized I had been given a gift that I did not recognize at first. The oldest lady at the women's retreat came to meet with me - I had scheduled some slots for "spiritual conversation" if the retreatants wanted to chat. She is 82 years old, a mother, grandmother and great grandmother!! She has been a Christian for five years or so, and found a 'home' with her present church community. Initially, I was wondering if I should gently lead her to talk about her prayer experience during the retreat.....As she began talking about her life, her family and her desires for her family, I quickly checked myself, put aside that 'retreat guide' hat and just enjoyed entering the world of a (very) senior citizen. Her eyes misted as she spoke of her prayers especially for her grandchildren. On looking back at that time (near to forty five minutes....) I was glad that I 'realized' the gift that was being offered in order to receive it; making an effort to put aside my own agenda. And it was an appropriate gift for Mothers' Day as well. I guess not having had my own mother for so long, I do value hearing the graced experiences of elderly folk. We discover a lot when we 'get out of the way' and really 'listen'. I am grateful for Auntie Goh.