The Important things in life

In case you're wondering, yes, I did capitalize the "I" in "important" on purpose.

I spent yesterday evening with friends, dear friends whom I had not seen since the last century. We talked, cooked, ate, remembered, shared, laughed, cried, lived. These are two people who have had a profound influence on my life, although they had no pretensions or expectations that they would. They had that effect only because in their daily lives they are focused on what is important in life: love for one another and for others, and a spiritual understanding which is profound. They are not preachers, although one teaches; they are doers. They are not slaves to a religion. Their understanding is, as is mine, that no one religion has "the truth"; each has a part of the truth, some more and some less, and the challenge is to find and recognize the truth or truths, wherever they lie, without being distracted by the untruthful. But these people are not afraid to immerse themselves in a tradition, to experience its full power and beauty. Nor are these people afraid to enjoy life! Hence the emphasis in our visit, and in their lives, on food, music, poetry, art, creativity, beauty, bunny rabbits, and humor.

I think that one of the best ways to honor another is to rejoice in their accomplishments. Another is to enjoy the fruits of their labors and acknowledge the source of your enjoyment. This goes for the accomplishments and fruits of the labors of God, as well. Enjoy life, enjoy one another, and you honor the Source of all. Last night was especially wonderful because I got to do all of that. I got to immerse myself in the Important things in life.

And I got to pet the bunnies.