Have you experienced moments of pure joy or happiness... when everything seems beautiful and Just Right? You want to stop time, stay in that moment, and savor the joy, happiness, and beauty.
One of my friend's repeated phrases is "Life is Good!" That phrase crossed my mind as I climbed aboard the Mexican Navy's training vessel, Cuauhtemoc ("one who has descended like and eagle"). San Diego was the first stop for the crew of 261 officers and cadets as it began its round-the-world ambassadorial journey of friendship and outreach.
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| When do you reach out in friendship? (Photo: ARM Cuauhtemoc, Mexican Navy training vessel visiting San Diego - Larry Gardepie) |
When we arrived at the Embarcadero, long lines of San Diegans were waiting to tour this tall ship. Officers and crew were located throughout the ship welcoming us and answering our questions in English and Spanish. You could sense the pride and excitement -- both from sailors and tourists -- about this beautiful boat.
Time stood still on this warm and sunny day -- imagining centuries of sailing similar vessels across the waters... exploring, trading, and encountering new peoples. I felt connected across time and cultures!
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| What moments have surprised you -- where you stopped and marveled? (Photo: Deer at Asilomar, Pacific Grove, CA - Larry Gardepie) |
I began to reflect on this technology-driven world -- so different from this sailing vessel: though we can be connected in a fraction of a minute with news, posts, and texts, in many ways we are no longer really Connected -- united or linked -- with Nature, with one another, or with what is important about Life. Ideologies separate us, and we are distracted by our smart devices, sound bites, and overburdened schedules and responsibilities.
It takes these "Life is Good" moments to remind us of our shared humanity, our fragile mortality, and our real connections -- relationships of beauty, friendship, and welcoming.
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| Can you see the fragile nature of this moment in time? (Photo: Soap Bubbles Dancing in the Sun - Larry Gardepie) |
These fleeting moments remind me of our Sacred Worth and Value -- something we have in common! These moments also can remind us of the importance of hope: we can welcome; we can cross barriers and cultures; we can become ambassadors of friendship through outreach and caring.
This week, let us hope for and savor moments of fleeting joy, happiness, and beauty... and let's share these experiences with others.
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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