Yesterday I had the sweetest experience. I don't always share my sacred experiences but in the spirit of openness and reverence I will share this one.
I was invited to our church’s children’s activity to show them my hand drum. Just down the road from our chapel is a tiny park. It is set below a hill beside the Red River. You can’t see the river from the park as there is so much lush foliage and twisted trees. The kind that are perfect for climbing. As I walked towards the park I came upon the cutest scene. There were blankets laid out for the children and helpers and they were all crafting rattles. These rattles were made with love and care – with cute tape, bells, string, pencils as their handle and yogurt tub lids for the bells to bounce off of.
As I stood at the top of the hill, surveying the scene, 3 little boys quickly climbed the hill to meet me. I haven’t seen many of these children in a very long time – our 2 nephews included. My greeters were our 2 nephews and a friend. My nephews stopped just short of me with a slight hesitation - I scooped them up in my arms and snuggled them in while they melted. It was THE sweetest experience I've had in a while. My friend's son started telling me all about what they were making (rattles) as if I had just visited with him the day before (which I hadn’t) "Kerry! Kerry! Look! We're making rattles!!" My nephews proudly showed off what they had been crafting and then we headed down the hill to meet everyone else. I felt so incredibly welcomed into this tiny scene. There was so much love.
After everyone had completed their crafts, they gathered around me as I taught them about my hand drum. I told them how my drum sisters and I got to make our drums with a very knowledgeable man. I showed them the “stories” that live inside the hide – on mine I see an eagle with a tiny eagle. We talked about the 7 Sacred Teachings – many of the children knew them and spoke with reverence about them. They sat in stillness, with interest, as I taught them how I care for my drum. We talked about the 4 directions and the colours associated with each direction. I let them hold my drum and play it. Each was considerate of the next child making sure that everyone had a turn.
We ended our time together by singing the Travelling Song. The travelling song has a dual purpose. It is used at funerals but it is also used when we are wishing one another a safe trip home. We stood to sing the song and soon enough the children were singing along with me and using their rattles.
There was a magic about this night. There was a spirit of kindness, love, and inclusion. Although the children are much taller and have grown it was if no time had passed since I last saw them. For a moment the world was still. It was as if we were under a giant bubble of peace.
I’m so thankful for tiny friends in my life who teach me so much. I love listening to them and seeing the world through their fresh eyes. It was one of my most sacred experiences. I felt at home.
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