Only An Ocean Away

Today, I decided to explore the other side of where I am staying and check out some of the quaint shops that call Kihei, Maui their home. After walking back towards the Maui Coast Hotel, I heard a familiar sound that drew me in. The masses of vehicles outside the building indicated their was throngs of people inside. I was entering the St. Theresa Catholic Church. I found a seat at the back and listened to prayers being offered. I inhaled the beauty of the space; with intricate stained glass that shone with a kaleidoscope of colour. At the front was a massive cross, with Jesus on it, and a purple wrap around him. I saw people kneeling, others hands outstretched to the Lord, while others wept openly. As the service was nearing closure, I stayed only briefly, making my way to a small gift shop adjacent to the church foyer. I entered and quietly looked around. Then I saw something that caught my eye. It was a rock, with the footprints saying on it. I smiled, as I once owned one before in my life. When Shayla moved away to University, I had given it to her as a gift and a blessing for her journey. When she passed away, several weeks later, I was at her boyfriends-David- house that they shared. His beliefs are much like how mine were long ago...unsure and skeptical. So, whenever I gave my daughter something religious in nature, as now I am a Christian, Shayla would kindly place it in the "God Room." At least that is what it was referred to in their home. I recall a time that this bothered me that everything was put into one room. I even had a conversation with Shayla about it. I told her, "One should be mindful of placing God in just one room, when one day HE will be needed in the whole house." My daughter smiled as she was trying to please two people who loved her, not an easy task. Imagine my surprise then, as I packed up the God room, that David requested the Footprints rock. I was further in awe when he took it out of that room and placed it in his bathroom, where everyone could see it. Now, I'm not saying he has seen 'the light,' by any means. I simply know this rock is special to him. When I saw another one-the only one- in this church gift shop, I knew that instead of watching the sunset I was wanting to see tonight, I was meant to be in that exact spot. I spoke to the kind lady behind the till-Elisa was her name- and when I told her of Shayla, her tears flowed down her mahogany cheeks. I told her briefly about the rock and how I was lead in by the beautiful music. I gave her the prayer card and Quartz Movement information and she hugged me; reminding me the Lord will look after my needs. I could not agree more! This posting is not meant to preach or convert any soul...it is to share in my journey that continues to thrive and grow in those lives I am reaching out because of my beloved Angel- Shayla. She reminds me that I am only an ocean away that separates me from the heavens above.