THE CORNERSTONE

THE CORNERSTONE 

In the process of building or constructing a foundation, a cornerstone is the containment of vital information pertaining to its structure. In contemplation of planning a design of strength, value and substance, interior foresight and wisdom are molded from within. So too, our inner self is a “cornerstone” of our being—a reservoir—in which a spiritual heart enlightens the soul, creating illumination to our presence. Has the presence of your aura, touched anyone? I share with you, the following. 

At the company where I work, there are glass windows on the upper part of the building of our lunch room, which looks out onto a busy intersection. In the morning before entering our work area, which has no windows, some of us gather together in this room for conversation. 

It is here looking out the window, I begin to notice a touching scene. From a house near the intersection, a woman walks her daughter to the corner—holding hands. She is about nine years old, on her way to get the morning school bus. At the corner, this woman and little girl embrace, then separate. The girl moves onward up the street—the mother waiting at the corner. The girl turns around several times, mother and daughter waving at each other; sometimes the girl runs back, to embrace her mother. 

At this intersection, there are many cars coming and going; as they pass by, people watch this woman and little girl embracing and waving goodbye. When the girl reaches her bus stop, the mother leaves the corner walking home very slowly, wiping away the tears from her eyes. Obviously, there is something special here; and there are a few of us who watch this touching scene unfold each morning, and I myself have been very, very touched by this great love and affection of mother and daughter. This bonding of love at this corner, is so pure and gracious—observing them each day fills my heart with peace, and sentiment. 

These types of occurrences we view from inside ourselves, sparking memories of things past or things we did not have. I find my thoughts drifting, and realize, how love touches us at times we least expect, moving the heart to express itself; and how, putting love to work makes love grow, giving treasured moments; and how, three such words as, “I love you,” can change the course of a child’s or person’s heart, soul or life; and how, words like, “I care about you,” or “You are precious,” make the heart bounce, and give new life on how they think and feel inside; and how, a hug and embrace are so constructive; and how, the quality, and quantity of love, is bundled into small children; and how, this love assembles, and accumulates within each one. 

I would say, there are more portions of love in them than we sometimes give back. We are so filled with troubles, responsibilities and other pressing matters, love is not expressed in portions, but only in small droplets, along the way. 

At times, we cheat our children of a deeper, meaningful part of ourselves—creating barriers between hearts, settling for less—for when the heart of a child reaches out to be hugged and touched, our heart and mind are elsewhere. If we could only think, like little people—for their little minds and hearts are uncluttered, untarnished, and uneducated. We should realize, the cornerstone to their development is ourselves, giving a relationship of guidance, security, love, trust, and caring; for how, and what they become as a person, is what we teach them. 

It would be helpful, if we disciplined our children with more of the heart, and less of the mind, for a child looks upon us as an authority and only knows little ways, little bits and pieces. So often with loss of patience, we express ourselves in a harsh and demeaning manner, creating separation, anxiety, a hostile environment—stifling one’s personality. Everyone responds to love, tenderness, a tone of softness, a hug, a caress, a touch. To be able to reach in, and touch a heart and soul, is to mold, a journey of compassion. 

The cornerstone of love, is compassion, and the master of all compassion, is Our Lord. Opening one’s heart to the Lord in a continuous spiritual encounter, breeds a journey of goodness to the soul: it creates inner peace, faith, encouragement, endurance, integrity, contentment, joy, confidence, and charity; it brings healing to the sick, and peace to the troubled. 

The cornerstone—the builder of our character—embrace this gift of grace, nourish it, and pour it out among those around you; for your compassionate heart of embrace may touch someone you do not know, or someone you are not aware of—like the woman of the corner, who has embraced and captivated this entire intersection. A cornerstone of her heart, remains softly, with us, as we absorb her misting tears, upon our hearts.

Robert J. Varrick 

rjvarrick@gmail.com