Opening to the Wisdom

Of late my heart has opened to the wisdom of the older woman, and I recently I was blessed to meet two such women.

For perhaps several reasons, such a figure has not really been part of my world. One exception stands out, my grandmother, who was known to us children as Mimi. What I loved about Mimi was that she danced to her own tune. Early on I knew I didn't accept the prevailing conventions, an example being the superstition of hiding under a bed during a thunderstorm. In the forties and fifties, such behavior was prevalent. But Mimi lived life by her own terms, and that was how I wanted to live.

Divorce was not an option for Catholics in those days, not that it is in current times either. But Mimi, who had siblings who were priests and nuns, defied the taboo and got divorced. I refused to judge her, as the rest of the family did. She was a real "Auntie Mame" type, and I adored her.

But other than Mimi, I think I've been a bit too arrogant and independent to think someone might have a bit of wisdom for me, simply because they have had more years on this planet.

Enter a remarkable woman, a nun, into my heart and my life, a few weekends ago, leading a retreat that I attended. She seemed to me like a dearly loved aunt or sister. There is simply no artifice or pretense surrounding her. She loves telling stories, but in a homey sort of way. Gentleness and love flow through her, and I am warmed by her presence, which I still carry with me. There is no judgment present, only openness to the Spirit, and her wisdom has remained with me ever since that luminous weekend.

Two friends and I decided to meet for meditation (or prayer, or Lectio Divina, whatever we decided upon), after the retreat. One friend invited a longtime friend of hers (also a nun) to lead us for our first meeting. This nun has led a meditation community for 28 years. She turned out to be another wise, loving, open soul, who skillfully presided over our first meeting. She generously shared her time and experience with us, showing us ways to be together prayerfully, minus the superficial chat and busyness that are often part of such a meeting. Once again, the Spirit flowed amongst us, and we were suffused by the peace and joy of our time together.

So this Thanksgiving I will be holding in my heart two (only slightly older!) women who recently appeared in my life, imparting wisdom from their lives lived as seekers and pilgrims. I'm grateful my heart was opened, so that I can now hold tenderfully and gracefully, this unexpected and wondrous gift that the Beloved has bestowed upon me!