To the Lady of the House

My saintly grandmother often regaled me with stories evidencing her belief that any positive energy you put out into the world comes back to you, twofold. This was not the impetus for her giving; it was merely an observation she made. She was a woman who came from nothing, never had much, and died with very little (tangible, at least). And yet, she would proudly tell you she lived abundantly, was well-loved and reaped queenly rewards. A personal practice of mine provides further evidence of her theory. For 51 years, I know for sure that giving, sharing, serving, doing for others always does two things: it shifts me out of a bad mood or self-centered state of mind and it returns to me a multiple of the energy rendered.

Case in point. I was doing the dinner dishes the other night, when I noticed a teen girl and her dad playing basketball outside my window. The only thing missing was a basketball hoop. In my town, there are literally no public basketball courts. Not one. The reason for this intentional omission is fodder for another Spark, but for now, just know that one year a friend moved back to town with her basketball-loving teen and they literally drove up and down every street in my town. When they called to ask me where the courts were, I regretfully reported, “We don’t have any.” So….. noticing the need for a net and having one, unused, I pranced out the door (in my pjs nonetheless) to meet their obvious need. Case solved.

Flash forward 24 hours. I am sitting at my desk answering emails, when what to my wondering ears should I hear but the bounce of a basketball. Glancing outside, I recognize the girl, dribbling her ball on the sidewalk, headed toward my front door. Here she comes, with a great big smile, card and fresh flowers in hand. Her mother relays how insistent her daughter was to deliver something with gratitude to “The Lady of the House.” And so her letter began, “I appreciate the offer… I would like to take you up on it and come by occasionally to practice. However, I would never want to impose upon you….Thank you.” At this point in the exchange, I am nearly in tears, overwhelmed by the return of energy my simple offer yielded.

When my kids were much smaller, we read together, hours every day. The words of one of their favorite books comes back to me just now….“Whatever you chant, whatever you brew, sooner or later comes back to you.” Think twice about what you do, knowing it will boomerang right back to you. My grandmother says so.