(KO from Hyogo Prefecture/60s/Female/Housewife)
I met my biological mother for the first time when I was five years old. Around that time, I also learned about my brother, sister, and grandmother. I lived in a foster home until middle school, and after graduating, I went to a nursing school. A doctor and his wife who took care of me were my “parents” who raised me. My roots that I didn’t even remember. I grew up without knowing where I belonged or how to interact with other people. Even after getting married, I couldn’t figure out how to deal with “family” and eventually got divorced. It was during this time that I encountered Kami.
Whenever I learn the teachings, the thought that comes to my mind was; “Someday, I’ll want to be happy too…” In response to that voice inside me, I met my current husband. After remarrying, I was able to talk a lot with my mother about my late father and many other things. My parents-in-law welcomed us warmly. The fun times passed so quickly.
Achieving a Family/Home One Step at a Time
Eventually, when we each sent our parents off, the house suddenly became quiet… I realized something in the loneliness. I entered society without understanding the kokoro of my parents or any compassion for people. I denied myself and didn’t interact with other people. Even at home, I didn’t talk to my husband at all. A sudden urge inside me said; “I don’t know anything about my husband. This is no good.” Yūwa (a booklet containing the latest Shinji) gave me the impetus to realize this. Aha! Husband and wife support each other and complement each other. I decided to hear my husband out first. The way I should interact with my family has suddenly become clearer.
When I ask my husband, “How was your day?” Sometimes he didn’t respond. However, from just one simple word from him, I was able to tell that he is a person who cares about those around him. It seems like neighbors often ask him to do minor repairs on farm equipment. When I showed him how much thank you gifts we received because of his acts of kindness, he smiled shyly.
One day, as our conversation started to increase little by little… He handed me his skin medication saying; “You said you would put it on for me; but you have not done it for me lately.” He looked disappointed. So I responded saying; “Well you never said anything.” Even though I wanted to help him put his medication, I realized I wasn’t thoughtful enough. When I talked about this to a friend, she laughed and said; “You guys are so cute.” Then I thought, we have become a cute couple. I was so happy and my heart felt warm.
Have a Secure Place to Be
It’s almost 40 years since I became a shinja. My life, which had no connection to my family, has changed dramatically. I realized that the family I built with my husband was my place to be, and I had a strong core in my kokoro. Lately, I’ve come to feel that it’s a luxury to have my birth parents, my parents who raised me, and the parents I lived with…I was able to think that there are so many people I want to give back to. My feelings of caring for my siblings and relatives have become stronger, and our ties have become deeper. The joy and excitement that can only be experienced because your family is there. I want to continue to achieve and experience that joy along with my husband.
Finding the Principles Behind the Story from Shinji
The more you gain awareness and have a sustain in life through the principles and interact correctly with family members,
People will start to see their dream about life and the meaning (value) to live without fail.
Deepening your understanding through the teachings, this is how it is to live filled with meaning and purpose.
Shinji that Kami reveals are a teaching on how to live life in order to be happy. Because it is an unchanging principle that relates to all people, if you live according to the teachings, your life will definitely change for the better.