Manifesting Sunshine on a Rainy Day
Just got home from my daughter Bridget’s 9th birthday party.
We had planned a small gathering at a the park where Bridget does therapeutic horseback riding each week.
Bridget was so excited. Every morning on awaking this month she’s talked about the party and listed all the friends who would be there: “Anna-Marie, Michelle, Jessica, Nikki, Neema, Emily, Anna, Sara, Elizabeth…”
The forecast for today called for rain but I wasn’t concerned. It would work out.
On the way to the park, the rain began.
Bridget’s sister Maddie was worried that the party would be ruined.
“Don’t sweat it Maddie,” I told her. “It will be alright.”
Maddie’s teenage cynicism usually leaves no room for soft concepts like prayer and manifestation, but today called for desparate measures. “Mom, can’t you manifest the rain stopping?”
“I’m working on it Maddie.”
“Well, if you can do that, I might have to start believing in this manifestation stuff.”
“Maddie, it’s not exactly like that. You need to hold a vision of your intention while at the same time releasing your attachment to outcome. So feel the sunshine and also be open to the possibility that the party will work out, rain or not.”
We continued toward the park.
By the time we got there, the rain was really coming down. We ran to the covered pavillion and waited for guests to arrive. David sat under a tree near the parking lot to show people that we were there and that the party was still on, rain or no rain.
The kids began arriving and huddled in the pavillion, looking forlornly out at the wooded path near the park and the rain soaked playground equipment. I broke out the light-up balls we’d brought for party favors to give the guests something to do while we waited for pizza. What a hit! Soon the children were squealing, running around the pavillion and “accidentally” bouncing them out into the rain so they’d have to dash out to retrieve them. The adults chatted amiably and delighted in the kids’ joyful play.
Before we knew it, the food had arrived. And while we were eating, the rain stopped.
Due to the weather, we had the entire playground to ourselves. We all lingered well into the evening, feeling soft and gentle as the rain-soaked woods around us. It was the best fete we’d ever thrown for Bridget.
We didn’t actually manifest sunshine today, but we did manifest a great party.
Next time your best laid plans begin to shift, remember Bridget’s party. You never know when a little rain might produce the perfect result.
Happy Birthday, Bridget!
Bridget waiting for cake
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June 10th, 2009 at 11:03 am
In the Leadership seminar I did in 1988, in which I largely created the life I have today, we referred to that as the second right answer. Good going all around, Schneiders!
Mary Baum
June 12th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Hey, nice post, really well written. You should write more about this. I’ll definitely be subscribing.
June 12th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Hi, interest post. I’ll write you later about few questions!
June 13th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Thanks for the comments, Mary, Mike and Kelly! I’ll look for your questions Kelly…Blessings, Kimberly