.png)
However we define family it means a lot. It is a blessing when we can see how all of life connects us as One family.
In early 2015 I was blessed with an opportunity to visit many places in Asia for almost 3 months. We are taught early in life to trust our five senses (touch, sight, sound, taste and smell) and I will add a sixth sense—what we know. My experience revealed that my five senses alone were not sufficient for navigation. I had to rely on a deeper understanding and connection to others who only appeared to be different from me. Through living the infinite intelligence every day of my journey I expanded my senses and thus my world.
In April, I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I got my luggage, visa, exchanged my Thai baht for Vietnamese dong and headed out of the Tan Son Nhat International Airport. I do not like to travel as a tourist but prefer to move among the locals so I decided to take the bus from the airport into the main city. It was a beautiful cacophony of sight and sound with a youthful energy since 70% of the population is younger than 40. When I got to my stop I descended the bus steps and moved toward the street when I suddenly realized that there were no streetlights or signs, just a constant stream of motorbikes and cars. How was I to cross the street? I had learned earlier when I became overwhelmed to become still and wait for the answer. This time the answer came in the form of another person needing to cross the street. There was a very brief suspension of passing motorbikes and I quickly (and awkwardly) moved when the other person crossing the street moved. I made it across intact!
After I checked into my hotel I went out again to visit Bến Thành Market and its surroundings. I had to cross another street. An older Vietnamese woman (or angel) approached me with a smile. She spoke no English so she took my hand and escorted me across the street. I thanked her by nodding with my hands in the prayer pose. A little time later I had to cross another street but this time a young Vietnamese woman (another angel) came. She spoke English so she asked me my name and told me hers. She took my hand and guided me across the street. As we walked she shared that she was from North Vietnam but had come to Saigon (the locals still call it Saigon) for better pay. She wanted to return home. I thanked her and we parted ways.
This was all wonderful but I could not keep waiting at street corners for people to help me across the street. I wanted to do it for myself. I had to do it by myself. I watched the locals cross the streets. I learned that I was to slowly step out into the street WHILE the motorbikes go AROUND me. The first few steps were scary, but exhilarating, as all the vehicles zipped by me as I crossed the street. I got to the other side of the street and could only widely grin at my accomplishment. I had done more than just cross a street. I trusted the infinite intelligence that connects us all and all there is. I stayed out until late crossing streets recreating the high.
Romans 12:2 speaks of being in this world while not losing our intent and testing life to seek the divine. The flow of life (the world) is often overwhelming. We can take breaks for rest and learning but eventually we must step within the flow while navigating OUR direction. The flow is what it is and we are what we are. How does it all co-exist for our good? With intention, thought and purpose. We can always be among family and friends because are all one big family.
-Sonja Mathis
Sonja is a native of Atlanta and reformed Southern Baptist. Her travels include the US, Canada, Africa, Europe and Asia (next stop Australia or wherever spirit presents). She studied classical ballet for 13 years, piano not as long, the stock market and insurance for 20 years, business for 4 years in college, long distance hiking for 7 years, and a student of Truth principles for almost 20 years. She is a financial counselor for active duty military, educators, young professionals and seniors. She currently serves as spiritual leader of Unity of Tuscaloosa in Alabama.
Comments