A FEW YEARS AGO, I visited the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) site at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, South Korea. Out of breath after climbing the tall entrance stairs to the level of the temple bell, I made my way to a rock wall and collapsed on it to rest. I chose a spot several feet away from a local family—a father, mother, and son—so as not to crowd them.
Almost instantly, I found the father's hand in front of me, gesturing for me to take a part of their lunch—a small, cold, boiled sweet potato. They hadn't conferred about whether to offer me something. They just naturally shared what they had. They even showed me how to eat it—break it in half, scrape out chunks of the flesh with your teeth, peeling it as needed. Their unconditional welcome and generosity made that one of the best meals I've ever had. I felt wrapped in love.
As I climbed the steps to this Buddhist shrine, I'd been holding to the thought that God, divine Love, was with me. And I had felt my divine Mother's support throughout the climb. But God was pouring out far more blessings than I even thought I needed.