I am blessed to be sailing on the love-ship with a crew of heart-y ship mates that hail from all over the world. I was encouraging someone recently to take an inventory of the people who have crossed paths with them over the years; from the most fleeting encounter in a check out line in a supermarket, to the most long term and meaningful partnerships.  I could likely count into the six figures when I imagine those who I have had direct face to face friendships and intimate romantic relationships,  co-workers, clients, students, couples and families I have worked with as a minister, notables I have interviewed for the various publications for which I write,  people I have met when I have attended classes and workshops, folks I have  served as a volunteer….and then there are facebook friends whose lives touch mine via the marvels of modern technology. There are those who are still in body and those whose love surrounds me from the ethers. We are taught that those in our immediate, proximate circles are of greater value. Certainly, there are degrees and levels of intimacy that we have in our lives and commitment to our families. I am in awe of the connection I have with what I call ‘family of choice’; those kindred souls who show up by Divine Appointment and tickle my life so wondrously.  When I think of them, I get a big ‘ol goofy grin on my face. It’s amazing how quickly we can bond with someone when we recognize that spark.

I had mentioned ongoing connection with loved ones who have passed. My husband and both parents are among that group, as well as aunts, uncles and grandparents, friends and co-workers. Although I do feel pangs of awwwww and owwww when I think of them at times, I feel an even stronger sense of the eternal threads that bind us together.

I hold this image of a loooonnnng table around which sits folks from all aspects of my life and all eras, getting to know one another, laughing and smiling, finding their common threads. Lively music is playing, and some choose to get up and dance. The table is filled to over-flowing with all of their favorite culinary delights that they share with one another.  As I think about this scene, I know that they are all already there and I hug them close while we sail on our ship of dreams.

http://youtu.be/gQDJ45qJHBQ Dreamboat Annie by Heart