Re-connecting with the essential

I did not tell this before, but the house we are renting is full of symbols and -to me- messages to be taken home. The name of the house, Villa Zen along with the smiling buddha on the front yard welcoming visitors are just the entrée. On the first day, I noticed a small card board with sanscrit text and a graphic symbol in an unusual place, hardly visible on the kitchen corner, behind a cupboard. In the evening, I translated the sanscrit and it turned out to be a mantra to call for prosperity and wealth. I discover there is a whole parallell divine world available to us I had forgotten of! Ten forms of gods or planets, who can be called upon, through these mantras, in case of earthly needs or sorrows: for a broken heart, have faith in oneself and spiritual path, staying truthful to ones values, keeping a calm mind, protecting from all evil and so forth. We determined, there must be ten mantras hidden in this house, and, surely, in our holiday mood, started the card hunt with the kids. As it turned out, we did find them! Behind curtains on ceiling level, behind vases and pictures, on uncommon places such as the wardrope! Clearly, the family living in this house has created an energy field shielding them. I felt puzzled why would the family want to rent out such a wonderful house. My children have been enjoying the many expensive toys left here to play, have read the beautifully written English shortstories by the two children living in this house and admired their drawings, playing at their pool or danced with the ballet bar. My heart sunk, as I discovered the owners are going through a billion dollar divorce, the mother seeking to protect her children, risking at loosing possibly all earthly belongings. I fear sharing this house has not been by choice. I bless them dearly and pray for their protection and good fortune. I ask what witnessing all this triggered in me? Having been initially blinded by the beauty and wealthiness so abondant everywhere here, there is always the dark side to light, the complications, broken families and sorrow. Having 2020 behind me, as the best of years in terms of spending time together and being close to my family and loved ones, I feel all the more gratefule for what I have. There is no value to put on unconditional love, respect and sharing of the everyday life ups and downs of parenting, and yet find your partner next to you, every morning.