(IN from Fukuoka Prefecture/60s/Female/Housewife)
Visiting the nursing facility to see my mother was my daily routine; however, it has become difficult in the recent spread of the coronavirus. Previously, my kokoro used to waver easily; my old self would worry too much about her if she was feeling lonely at the facility.
Accept the Situation With a Kokoro of Peace and Calmness
I did not have anxiety when I was informed about the restriction on the visit because Kami’s teachings surprisingly suppressed my anxieties caused by my negative aspects of the jittai and kept my kokoro at peace. I could accept the situation calmly and did what I could do; writing letters, making phone calls, visiting her when I got permission. My mother repeatedly read the letters and answered my phone with calm voice that proved that she was doing well.
Reading Email Newsletters With A Fresh Mind
Looking back to my old days, I was not able to enjoy learning Kami’s teachings and tended to take it as a duty. Kami’s teachings were not my priorities in my busy daily life, despite the fact that Kami teaches the principle of life for us to live a fulfilled life. I was wasting the teachings I was given.
However, unexpected gift of time brought the importance of Kami’s teaching to my mind. One day, I was not able to sleep, so I read an email newsletter from Shinji Kyōkai once again. The message was very vivid; however, I did not feel the same when I read for the first time. Then, I started feeling joy reading email newsletters and learning Kami’s teachings.
The more I read church books, the deeper I understand the principle of life. I learned that time of flow has unmei that is helpful and useful for society like the unmei of human being does. I began to accept and feel positive about the circumstance and I was no longer at the mercy of my jittai. In this moment in time, I would like to live by extending and using my strength for others.
Give Kindness to Others
How fun it is to learn Kami’s teachings; it gives us realization, gives us deep understandings, enlightens us the principle of life that we did not know. My husband is very happy to see me enjoying learning the teachings and the time we are given unexpectedly. We now have time to do gardening together and have deep conversation. In unexpected gift of time from Kami, I will use my kokoro to give back to my family and people around me.