What's in YOUR Purse?

      If you're a woman you probably carry a purse. You may call it a bag or a handbag, but you carry that thing everywhere. It's like a security blanket for grown ups. When my son was little, my purse was a magical bag of tricks. All you had to do was open that zipper and stare into the treasure trove that would save you. There were wipes, an extra diaper, my wallet, a clean shirt for him, a clean shirt for me, at least one toy, a drink and a snack or two. The toddler days are gone, but the purse remains.
     Today's purse has a wallet, cell phone, four pens (Four pens? Do I think I am going to write an incredible missive? Or attend a scavenger hunt where purple pens are at a premium?), three lipsticks, one band-aid, tissues, a lens cleaning wipe, a headband, coupons, an assortment of photos, a sweet note from my husband from 1995 and a holy card of Jesus. Whew! Maybe I should simply graduate to a suitcase?

Sweet mercy! Just get a suitcase.

     We all carry different size purses or wallets. Some folks just use their pockets. Everyone has a different definition of what they need. Yet all of us carry something in common. The photo of my purse contains clues. It's hard to see, and sometimes you have to look very closely. It's not keys, though it is the key. It is sometimes heavy and sometimes light. It transparent and vivid at the same time. It is the very best in all of us:  It is our ability to love.
     There have been times when my wallet's been light, and my heart heavy, but my husband's love--as evidenced by the note I carry--has kept me going. My photos of loved ones speak to heart connections that span time and space. The holy card of Jesus depicts him with a glowing, sacred heart. His commandment is "Love one another as I have loved you." It's difficult, yet so simple.

Your heart is a strong muscle.

     When we go out in the world, we take our cell phone and our wallets, ( If you're me, you also take lots of pens and lipsticks) but what we really need is heart consciousness. Our ability to love is more powerful and trans formative than that silly band-aid floating around in my purse. Love can heal and love can change things. I check for text messages daily. From now on, I'm going to check for heart messages too. Judith Campbell said, "When your heart speaks, take good notes." I have enough pens, I just have to pay attention.