This past week has been the most vivid example of life’s ups and downs in a very long time!
As I explained last week, I spent five days in Olympia, WA, with my people at my home center: CSL Olympia.
I had a wonderful time! 
After spending so much time on Zoom, I saw and hugged so many people I have learned to love over the past six or seven years. Thankfully, we can connect via Zoom, but being there in person is MUCH better.
It was CSLO’s 20th Anniversary Party! On Saturday night, we were privileged to have Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith (the Spiritual Director of the CSL organization) as the keynote speaker. Her presentation, along with a wonderful band and some great finger food, made the day special. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Luckily, I could spend some quality time with Rev. Soni before she left for another Washington CSL. In a small group setting on Saturday morning, she asked us to share why we decided to visit and join a CSL congregation. Originally, I was invited by a friend to join a CSL. Also, in my line of work as a Virtual Assistant to CSLs, I have been a part of many Centers. CSL people are MY people, no matter which Center I attend. I love the open-mindedness and love I experience with them!
I made a special point of telling Rev. Soni goodbye before she left the area! In our last talk, she gave me some great suggestions to help me after I returned home.
Now that was the UP. Here is the DOWN of life!
When I returned home, I discovered my office floor carpeting was water-filled! After I took a fall in the shower the week before, I had unknowingly busted the pipe connected to the facet knob. Thankfully, except for some bruising, I was fine. While I was gone and no one but the cat was in my office, water was slowly leaking into my carpeting. A handyman within the Park came over today to assess the situation, a few days later. He will be back soon to fix the leak. Unfortunately, we will need to pull up the carpeting and install some new flooring — which the handyman said he had.
I could handle the situation calmly because I felt loved and grounded by my spiritual friends. Remembering all the good that has happened in my life, I remained at peace despite the inconvenience of the broken water pipe. That is where and how Spirit has touched me during life’s ups and downs: Giving me strength and peace despite the circumstances!