Mermaid meets manatee

The blessings and bliss of vacation.  My daughter and I shared a beautiful time in Florida over spring break unplugging from the busy, hectic, sometimes frantic pace of our lives at home.  Sleeping in with no alarm but the birds and the slant of the sun coming through the window of the patio by our bedroom was pure joy.  It took about four nights for me to completely unwind and relax my rhythm, slowing from a frenzied tempo to a slow waltz.  What a delight to have nowhere to go and simply let the day unfold over a cup of English tea.  We swam, walked a nearby beach looking for shells, read books and ate healthy meals created by my aunt and uncle who are superior hosts.   One day they treated us to a dolphin and snorkel tour.  After seeing some wondrous sea creatures we encountered a manatee who was drawn to my daughter (who I think is part mermaid).  She had a manatee encounter two years ago when a baby manatee approached her on another guided tour and munched on her long golden hair.  We say she has manatee magic.  This time, the manatee approached her as she swam and simply  looked at her with curiosity and friendliness.  It was a God moment, the kind of magical occurrence which God orchestrates which touches the soul and lasts a lifetime.  
I realized the importance of making time and space for these such moments and allowing God to surprise us in our daily lives, as well as on vacation.  I have made a pledge to create more open space in my life, sabbath time, when my mind and schedule are free, less cluttered, so that I can receive the blessings and whisperings of the Spirit in my life at home.  In my work as chaplain, I met an old woman recently who wisely observed, "People are moving about so quickly these days; I wonder for what gain, and at what cost."  Indeed!
I must add that this vacation was much needed after months of caring for my husband and feeling utterly depleted.  Both my daughter and I felt as if we were recovering from PTSD. This time away would not have been possible if it were not for the amazing renewal of my husband, due to much prayer, clean diet, caregiving and a high powered chemo agent.  He was able to stay alone while we were gone, which is no minor miracle.  He cooked, cared for the home and even walked the dog!  This, after he was passing away last fall.  Words cannot capture our relief.  
Life is a beautiful mystery, sometimes short, or long, with waves and storms and magical encounters with the Divine along the way.  Here's to many more mermaid - manatee encounters.  May we continue to give space and time to allow God to surprise us and love us into wholeness.