I sat yesterday morning in a tiny courtyard before the entrance of Monasterium PoortAckere.  It was quiet away from the street.

I like quiet.

I felt the outstretched hands of the woman, welcoming all who come by.  There was a grace beneath the trees, a stopping.  I lingered on the bench, allowing my life to wash over me.  It’s a good life.  I’m glad I showed up for it.

Occasionally an employee walked by.  One pushed a cart of linen.  Another hauled away a big bag of garbage.  They all wore black shirts.  On the back was written “Your Smile Is Our Passion”.  What a lovely phrase.

I wondered how many of the workers really felt that way.  I said “Goedemorgen” to each one.  Some gave me a real smile back.  Others barely responded.  From those I was simply a hotel guest, not a vibrant human being.  Oh well.

The shirts got me thinking.  I love doing or saying something silly that has others smile.  Laughing is cool too.  For years I’ve told myself that I’m on Earth for two reasons: to love people and make them laugh.  That’s enough.

***

As promised, at 2:00 pm today I will once more be in a Nederlands conversatie with other newbies to Belgium.

About a week ago, I wrote about having “long arms” … feeling loose and soft.  Including everyone.  I wonder.  Is it possible to have such length when I’m in the midst of “not knowing”, of Dutch being a wisp of smoke?

I’ll go for “Yes”