“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” —Meister Eckhart

What are we learning from our experiences of living through this pandemic?

I imagine for many of us we have learned not to take life for granted. This week Erie reflected on the depth of a meaningful relationship with his colleague Mark Evans and all that they were able to create through visionary leadership and and a remarkable team of dedicated, talented people. Personally, I have a deeper appreciation for my relationships with people, colleagues, nature, friends, family and with myself. As I reflect on this past week there were several sacred encounters for which I am especially grateful …

– Sharing in a meaningful conversation with my dear friend just weeks after her precious son died.

-  Expressing well wishes to two extraordinary colleagues who are moving on to new chapters in their lives, honoring their significant contributions for the betterment of all and the countless lives they have touched with their unique gifts, skills and love.

– Laughing and keeping company with late-night Seinfeld episodes when I ought to be asleep.

– Breaking bread with close friends. Mending misunderstandings.

– Gaining perspective, as I let go of less than helpful thoughts to focus more on gratitude.

– Softening to what is here, all of it, the pain the loss, the love, difficult emotions, and all the goodness.

-Sitting beside (figuratively speaking; virtually in different states) a caregiver who is grieving her dad’s death. Tormented by unrelenting feelings of guilt because she did not make it home to her native country in time to say goodbye… although she tried. She expressed how healing it was to talk about her experience. When we share in our pain, give witness to it, we transform suffering. Human connection is a healing suave.   

– Being greeted with unconditional love by our dog Chance, watching him run wild and free & frolick with other furry companions at the dog park.

– Reaching out in vulnerability to a cherished a friend from afar, receiving a gift of pure grace.

– Being loved and cared about through so many little, unspoken gestures of kindness.

– Being with family. Setting off to spend Thanksgiving with my son and grandchildren.

Prayers of Thanks-giving…what an incredibly poignant, yet healing week it has been.

 Liz Sorensen Wessel
Photo by my beautiful & talented cousin Kim De Beaumont