Melodies of Grace, Words of Solace and Joy

There was the sweet fragrance of lilac, roses and baby's breath when we entered Tim and Debbie's home for the Ridvan celebration on Saturday. This is a holy day that commemorates the beginning of Baha'u'llah's exile from Baghdad, Iraq to Istanbul, Turkey. While the faint calls of nightingales played on tape, the Baha'is read prayers and Tim gave a short history of Baha'u'llah's stay in the garden of Ridvan on an island in the Tigris River.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the music that accompanied the readings. They enhanced the beauty of the occasion and promoted such deep spiritual feelings. Our friend Myong played 'Fur Elise' by Beethoven on the piano, Debbie Kloby played the guitar and sang, and George sang 'Zippity Doo Dah', which we pretty much expect from him when he celebrates anything! He is familiar with a passage in the writings that says to "rejoice with exceeding gladness" as we remember this day - he did, we did, everyone did. Not much in the way of photos, though, as I really wanted to stay with our guest, Myong. If you recall this post, you will under- stand. It was a very happy occasion, in so many ways. When we got home, I told George that the music sounded so familiar. He agreed, and it was not until our Ruhi Class that Tim mentioned that the recorded music was also used at Taraz's and Megan's wedding! That's where we'd heard it before.

At our last Ruhi class, the last of the series, we studied the arts - music, poetry, aesthetics and the fine arts - those things that show symmetry, harmony and perfection. For instance, a quiet pathway through a pristine forest, a well-written book or a well-designed garden. All of us listed the things that evoke grace and beauty, and are pleasing to the heart and spirit, things essential to the longing of the human soul. Something as sweet as soft voices also can transport the spirit and uplift our daily life.

Our Ruhi Class started in 2004, here in our home, meeting every Sunday evening. We've now completed all seven books, (two more are in the compilation and planning stage.) One of our tutors, Wynne, took this photograph to commemorate the occasion. (Pictured, Megan, Tim, Kay (our tutor), Chris, George, and myself.)