A Stroll in a Prayer Garden

The road snaked – a couple of turns too many for my comfort. Panic mode. I left my motion sickness pills at home. I didn't know I’d need them. Nobody said anything about a zigzag to Infanta, Quezon. The driver said there are actually two sets of zigzags. I’m doomed.

I whipped out my quantum necklace at my cousin Belle’s prodding. This better work or I’m returning it. I pressed it to my wrist right above the pulse. That’s supposed to be the acupressure point to combat motion sickness. What do you know, it worked! Whether it was the necklace or the acupressure that held the dizziness at bay, I didn’t care. All I cared about was being able to enjoy the scenery in the town of Real where the seashore hugged the road like a besotted lover. The road and the beach lay side by side for quite a stretch giving us a panoramic view of waves crashing on sand.

The way to my aunt’s Pag-ibig Prayer Garden is like life’s journey. There are many twists and turns. You find relief when it straightens up only to find another set of trials that turn your stomach inside out. Then you reach the end. It’s heaven – there is peace, there is serenity, there is beauty that gives a comforting embrace.

At the Prayer Garden, our Lord welcomed us to the “Upper Room” where he sat alone at the table. Untypical of the Last Supper, this one invites twelve “apostles” to sit with Him. Guests become part of the picture instead of just being on the outside looking in on the first Eucharist. One can even take a nap on the Lord’s lap after a meal – like a child on a parent’s knee.

And I needed that nap. The meal was sumptuous with freshly caught crabs, prawns and giant talakitok. Belle & I even got an after dessert treat – the chance to once again taste katmon, a tart fruit from our childhood found only in Quezon (I think).

Later, we strolled around the garden and merged into biblical and other saintly scenes:

Slept with the apostles as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane;

Stood as our Lord’s ninang at His baptism in the Jordan;

Sat with Mary as she watched Joseph and Jesus at play;

Read with St. Clare as she reviews her Rule of Life, the first monastic rule reputed to be the first written by a woman;

Marveled at St. Peter’s attempt to walk with Jesus on water.

The Prayer Garden not only soothes and refreshes ones faith, it also inspires reflection.

Hope Afloat

Walking on water.

Strong wind swirls waves. Faith submerges.

His hand a lifeline.

My Lord calms the raging storm,

washes away regret. Hope.