The Universe whispered and I listened. The miracle here is the “I listened” part. I believe the Universe sends us messages constantly, but I too often forget to listen.

I turned on my hippie radio station (Hay House Radio) last week and heard a snippet of Alan Cohen’s show. I listened for only about five minutes while washing the breakfast skillet. The topic du jour was the Holiday Season and the stress it may cause. I jotted a soundbite nugget at the top of my yellow legal pad: “Holidays = Invitation to Spiritual Mastery.” The notion intrigued me that the inevitable hustle bustle of the holidays and even extra time with family was actually an opportunity to test our Spiritual mastery.

For the next few days I ran errands, shopped, prepared for our first holiday party with my yellow legal pad and my new soundbite as my constant companion.

Sunday was to be the annual “Thanksmas” celebration with my extended family which includes some very special people in my life–my pseudo grand kids. We were having a small group this year, so to make it special, I set the dining room table with china, crystal, red roses, and candles. I prepared a sit-down meal and even hired a friend to wash the dishes while we played games and opened gifts in the basement. Perfect right?

Overnight, the flu bug visited my nephew’s home. My sister was called in to help with the young ones, which rendered most of the guest list either exposed to or experiencing a nasty flu. Early Sunday morning, we decided it was best to reschedule. I was faced with the disappointment of missing a 2-year-old who just learned to say “Go Debi’s!” fried chicken and mashed potatoes for a party of 10, a gorgeous table setting, and no one coming.

During a long shower (the place where my greatest inspiration hits me) Spiritual Mastery, I thought, an opportunity for Spiritual mastery. I decided to set my disappointment aside and host an impromptu party.

A Christmas miracle made it so that the first three couples I called were available–with just a few hours notice on December 4th mind you–or maybe I just sounded so pitiful on the phone they didn’t have it in their kind hearts to turn me down, but they agreed to a 1:00 luncheon.

We gathered around the table and BF offered a toast “friends who are family.” Everyone seemed to enjoy the spontaneity of the occasion and we thoroughly enjoyed playing games in the basement while a little kitchen fairy washed the dishes.

Far from Spiritual Mastery, had I not heard Cohen’s broadcast a few days earlier and claimed the Invitation to Spiritual Mastery, I would have sat with my lower lip out all day on Sunday. But instead, I experienced a blessed afternoon bonding with friends. I have to think I might be one step closer. Just because I listened.