In My Dreams

Yeah, so this song was playin' in my head last night while I was dreamin'.
Except, instead of seeing the lady in the video I saw Patti. And I didn't see the band.

Anyways, Patti was saying something but I couldn't make out what it was, so I looked for where the source of the music was coming from so I could turn it down.
Problem was, I couldn't find the source.

Eventually, I found it. It was a stereo that looked like a phone.
I looked for the volume control to turn it down, but Patti shook her head to stop me and placed three of her fingers on my lips, because I was about to talk and she wanted me to be quiet.

I remember hugging, and maybe we danced, or everything danced around us, I couldn't be sure since I was focused so much on Patti's eyes and her beautiful face, and she was staring intently into mine.
It was whelming, but not overwhelming. I mean, just not quite overwhelming, emotionally.
Or maybe a better word is rapturous.

Until the song ended. I started to speak again but Patti stopped me again, in the same way.
Then another song began to play.

I hadn't heard this song in a very long time.
Patti smiled and her brown eyes twinkled. Really. It was dazzling, in fact.
Then she spoke again.

I didn't hear her but I knew what she said this time.
She said, I'll see you in your dreams. I'll be here, waiting, until you join me.
The song ended, and Patti spoke again, except this time I heard her.
"Don't worry and be of good cheer HB," she said, smiling.

Once again, I attempted to speak and once again she stopped me, same as before.
When she touched my lips the dream faded away.

Then I woke up, with tears streaming out of my eyes.
And I smiled.

Soulshine

Aye. Soulshinin' is something' to aspire to. We've all met people that have what seems like an immense soul shine.
Patti, my grandma, my brothers, sisters and friends I have met on the 'net. And a few others I have had the privilege of meeting throughout my life.

How does one soulshine more?

Well, I'm working' on it, but I do know the number one thing I need to do and that's be thankful.
Without that one can't begin to soulshine at all.

Cultivatin' joy would be another thing I can do. It takes practice for me. Some folks seem to be born with it, while others need to practice more and focus through meditation, contemplation, prayer.
Jest gotta dive in and do it.

Which brings me to givin'.
Not just materially. but through prayer, friendship, love, honor, sacrifice...etc..
But you know, when I give it doesn't feel like a sacrifice. I need to give more to receive more.
But I can't give for that reason. It doesn't work that way.

No, I must give because it's the right thing to do. Sure, it may feel uncomfortable at times but it's liberating too. Therapeutic even.

Which leads me to forgiveness, of others and myself.
I gotta say this is the most difficult for me, but I know I must if I wanna transcend past where I am now.
Doesn't mean I gotta be best friends with those I forgive, but those chains need breakin' nonetheless.

Practicin' the virtues sure will go a long way to help me soulshine brighter.
When I do all these things in honesty then verily God's grace will flow like a river into my soul.

Thank you, my friends for soulshinin' on me. God bless you all.