One of those weeks

I am amazed that my head is fitting through the front door right now. It has just been one of those weeks.

No, not those weeks.

It's been one of those weeks where the kindness of others have left me speechless. So many wonderful emails, messages and even a whole blog post giving me praise and making me feel like it really is all worthwhile. It reminds me of when I first started on this path.

I had been working at the therapeutic nursery near my home. It was sort of a job going nowhere some days because although I loved the children and most of the people I worked with, I did not have a college degree so I was not eligible to be anything other than an aide. At a bit above minimum wage. The money and the title didn't mean a lot to me but I have to admit to feeling less than important compared to the college degreed people. I had been studying tai chi, yoga and eastern philosophy for quite some time and knew that my path was not one that would lead to 4 years of college... plus, my kids were getting closer to that being their path so financially... nuff said.

There was a teacher there I who had been close to when our children were little. She was very encouraging, knew that I had been studying yoga and really felt that I could teach that to the little ones and make a difference. With her constant gentle push, I found the courage to do so. Along the road I ended up getting certified and grown ups kept asking me to teach them. I was terrified. It was one thing to have a bunch of 4 year olds agree to play downdog with me but adults....yikes.

The kids had gotten very involved in plays and the youth group at the church associated with the nursery school. One of the requirements of my certification was that I give free classes to a population of people who wouldn't normally step into a yoga studio. Now, although my church congregation could definitely afford yoga... it was not something they would really think they could do or would want to. But again, that little push came... in the form of the Interim Reverend and the Youth Director at the time. They encouraged and when the Session of the church balked at us "desecrating" the Sanctuary, they fought. And I got approved. But was still terrified.

Along came the beautiful women in my life, my women's circle, my church family, my friends... they encouraged, they wrote me wonderful emails and letters letting me know that I had value. I have them still. I would not have found the courage without them. I would not be who I am today, hopefully someone who has returned that gift to many, if they had not gently pushed.

The secret to that push? It was no accident that at the same time I began to understand the concept of the Holy Spirit.... no, not religiously. But that little encouragement you get when you need it most, gently turning you to the right path, coming in whatever form you need, through whoever it can use who is open to it... That's Spirit. And it's always there. And it always leads you to where you are destined to be.

Thank you to so many of you who allow that Spirit to work through you. Peace be with you.