Touchstone

Love me when I least deserve it,

because that's when I really need it.

Old Swedish Proverb



No matter how wrinkled life seems to be, if we have the sense that we are loved, we will iron out the creases with strength we might not otherwise think we have.  In spite of our flaws or weaknesses, if we feel the unconditional love of one other, we will have the courage to move forward. 

Sometimes the person who steps forward to be present in our life when we are in need is not the individual we expected.  Often times, a stranger or someone we don't think we know particularly well, becomes our touchstone.  This person may or may not be aware of our need, but for what ever reason, they come forward reminding us of the resilience, forgiveness, and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  This touchstone may offer us hope through their own personal story or by being keenly aware of our own strengths.  Perhaps they see us as we do not see our selves.  Through their willingness to be a witness to our struggle, our challenge can deepen into a rich experience.

Touchstones appear all of the time ... a person you meet on the airplane, sit next to in a seminar, share a small table with at an outdoor cafe, or a loving mentor or relative (not all of us have). 
I believe these people are being used by Spirit as a guide or intervention.  Some, I believe, are angels in disguise.  We may have only one exchange with this person, but it may change the course of our life. 

We may also be called to serve as a touchstone to someone we know or don't know.  It may be years from now or just around the corner.  We unexpectedly feel compelled or 'nudged' to share a word of encouragement not even knowing the person is in need.  We may never realize, as Spirit speaks through us, how our words or actions have touched the life of one other.

Allow Spirit to use us as a touchstone, to move us into position so our words can deliver a message to someone in need.  We all have a message for each other.  We are all touchstones if we but take the time to listen with an open an unsuspecting heart.