It was getting dusky and dark, and thick fog was settling in when we walked out on a breezeway and looked back on North Rustico from the sea. Standing in the middle of those noisy, crashing, churning waves, one thing stood out-- in the center of the town at the ocean's edge was the North Rustico Lighthouse. It's turning head was bright and seemed to be searching.
Now, I had been admiring lighthouses for several days as Greg and I had driven north from Portland Maine, but this was the first time where it occurred to me that lighthouses do more than help folks avoid dangerous rocks and cliffs. This North Rustico beacon seemed to be calling. This light seemed to be beckoning folks to leave the ocean's indignation and return to safety. It’s bright light wouldn’t allow the searcher at sea to miss the village amidst the boundless dark water of an ocean's night sky. It was lighting the way through dark and fog and endless wave to loving hearth.
The world is churning like that ocean. There is a constant press and an exhausting flurry of ideas and pull. There are waves and winds that cause grief and fear. There are enticements that lead out into the roar of the ocean. For me, that North Rustico Village symbolizes the invaluable work of women. Heaven blessed with feminine qualities of love and compassion, with squishy hearts, and the ability to nurture, women create a refuge. A place of order from chaos. A homecoming of warmth and safe haven. Like that lighthouse, we call our families out of the waves and back to us where there is love, kindness, and still.
All we do has purpose-- clean sheets, puffy beds, folded clothes, warm dinners, homemade treats, and tidy surroundings coupled with smiles, acceptance, kindness, discipline, cheerleading, patience and love. It all beckons.
And beyond our families, mothering is extending this “safe place” to all whom we meet. In our gaze, our language, our interactions with friend and stranger, we can nurture, comfort and provide safe haven. In just moments, a woman can establish a “home” for anyone.
To All the Women in My Life-- I want you to know on this 2014 Mothering Day that, to me, YOU are North Rustico and that bright, searching lighthouse. I read your Facebook posts, your blogs and Christmas cards. I enjoy your emails and talking to you on the phone. I love seeing you on the soccer fields and in the grocery store. I remember conversations that we have had from yesterday and from long ago. I reminisce on things that we have done together. In it all, I see a champion. I admire you. I am inspired by you. I have been mothered by you. I think YOU are pure heroics. You are, individually, making heaven out of your little corner of earth, and as women collectively, this world is a nicer, kinder, sweeter, safer place. I love you.
Happy Mothering Day!
