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A Course in Miracles teaches us that a miracle is a shift in perception.

Living with my father has offered me an abundance of opportunities to practice acceptance and viewing the world through joyful eyes.

2 nights ago, I was preparing a soup of sprouted lentils, carrots, coriander, dulse and love;) for my little one. As I lovingly and attentively stir the pot, in walks Pop with ...... an entire bird corpse, precooked in a plastic box!

I heard a voice that said - see the love in this gesture. My dad was so happy to bring home this chicken ($5 at Costco!). He was offering it as a gift to my son (who does eat meat occasionally) and our dog. I could tell my father was particularly feeling generous, as he cut off large chunks for Loupie!

While my first reaction was to notice the shift in the energy of the kitchen that this bird brought, I decided to heed the wise voice and notice the love in his gesture. I saw the label "hormone free," and I know my father believed he was giving us a "healthy" chicken. I also remembered that he grew up under very different circumstances than I did. I am sure his family did not have the means for such an extravagant dinner - a whole chicken! ANd if they did, surely it would have been a rare and special occasion.

So I allowed Theo to eat the bird (observing that he could not stop eating it - i believe due to the ingredient of "sugar" on the label;) ). He did eat his lightly cooked carrots, which was amazing. Actually, I as so ecstatcic that he actually ate a vegetable - and a lot of them! that I chose to focus on that :)

When I woke the next morning I was feeling a bit stressed about the chicken story, mostly feeling guilt about feeding it to my son. I do not mind if he has a small bit of animal product occasionally, but it is not a regular part of his diet. As I have been practicing Abraham, I know that my only job is to feel good, so this stress over the chicken was not working for my new vibe.

Later I was hanging out with my father, and it naturally flowed into the conversation that I feel Theo has been eating too many animal products (since living w. him), and that I was concerned for his health - I don't mind if he has it occasionally but it was becoming a regular thing, etc. I was joyfully surprised that my father was so considerate of my views and understanding and agreed that he also wanted what was best for Theo and he trusts me,etc! The conversation was so easy and peaceful. And that night my father told me he was having his dinner (white bagel and chicken) so that I could take Theo outside to play, which I did because I did not want him to eat that, and I knew that he wants whatever Grandpa has.

I am so grateful for the lessons that this living situation has given me. Most important, I am learning to keep my vibe high and peaceful despite what ANYONE thinks, says or does. I am on my way to becoming a real Buddha!;)