I almost missed the FOREST again. :)

Its true, you know... That saying, "You can't see the forest for the trees".  I do that all the time.  ALL THE TIME.  I forget to notice the beautiful and fulfilling.  OFTEN

A few years ago, I was, well, ignorant.  Not stupid, folks, i.g.n.o.r.a.n.t., which means 'lacking information'.  I was definitely that.

We were told in shrouded 'whispers' from a teenager who lived next door that they had sold their house to. . . 'don't tell...if you can believe it.....

two gay guys..."

murmur murmur snigger snigger pst pst...

I'll admit.  I let my brain do the 'leaping' and went to dark deviant places. I did.  I instantly thought, "Oh my!"  I freaked out.  I regret that.

The day they moved in, I literally 'Nosey Nellied" my right eye to look through part of our front curtain and 'have a peek' at the new neighbors.  I did!  It was so 'cinema-esque', with the leering and judging, and 'lookey loo-ing'. 

Then, this utterly amazing thing happened.  I had the impulse to step outside and help them move the boxes, or bake 'welcome to the neighborhood' cookies, and or just saunter over and say 'How ya doin?'  I couldn't believe it.  I was still ME.  I still felt like I do when I see anyone who might need something.  I wanted to help.

Then, the stunner, ...  I also felt awash with UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.  That's right.  L.o.v.e.  It did not come from me.  It came from Heaven.  It was a 'gift' that I received, as clear as day, it came to reside within my heart as a fact and a knowledge.  I was going to love them.

I missed the 'forest' again.  I was too busy looking at the 'trees'.  I have since become dear friends with two of  the most wonderful and beautiful and intelligent and interesting trees in the forest.  In fact, truth be told, in my neighborhood, these 2 guys are actually my favorite of all the forest.

Here is the 'take away'.  Our Heavenly Father loves every single one of his children.  EVERY ONE.  There is not a group, or gathering, or sect of the world he loves more than any other.

I still have questions.  Tons and tons.  If we are created to 'multiply and replenish the earth' and participate in family units, well, then....what is the deal with people who come to the planet wired differently than others?  I do not understand that now, but have faith that I will one day.

I am so grateful Gregory and Dustin moved in next door.  I am also grateful I shifted my viewpoint.  At first, I thought I was helping 'them' recognize that not every Mormon family had negative perceptions.  Now, I realize that they helped me.  I know they forgive my 'ignorance'. 

Every time I see them, I fill with genuine joy and stupid excitement.  We are 'kindred' spirits of a kind.  I truly love and admire and appreciate them.  Oh, what I would have missed out on if I hadn't taken that divine gift and dared to pass on the beautiful range of color and design and properties of their lovely branches, and roots and leaves. 

God loves all his creations, especially the symbolic trees, ........ very especially those ones who are seemingly different in design, but are actually, trail blazer trees for the rest of us. 

Next time I go for a walk in a forest I don't understand, or haven't been to before.  I will take G and D with me.  I sure don't want to miss out on some of the great ones.