Committing to Be His

Katy and Jake Lawton visit the Center every summer with their children Jolie (6) and William (4). It’s not just this yearly date with God that stands out about them, but their devoted and concerted effort to make Baba a part of their whole families’ day-to-day lives. Whether in person or even through a screen, you cannot miss their undying sincerity and commitment to be His.

While this year they missed that appointment in person, when they received the news of a virtual Young Adult Sahavas it was Katy who first rejoiced at this opportunity closest to being at the Center. “Having never been to the Youth Sahavas, I have felt a slight sense of having missed out. A few years ago when the Center started a Young Adult gathering, I really wanted to go.” Practical issues that all young families face kept Katy from coming then. There was the complexity of her husband’s time off work, a long drive with very young children and, most importantly, the question of childcare while she attended events. She hoped someday circumstances would support her strong desire. Sure enough, in most unexpected ways they did this year. The proposition of doing it from home was a gift.

During these last several months, Katy has allowed herself to drink from the potion of endless opportunities for connecting with Baba via virtual events. “I commit to doing something at least once a week, and to find that intimate connection with Baba and others. It is like my church.” So while the format was not new to her, all the people were, since it was her first time. But despite the wide age range, she felt that there was a comfort level among all who attended and a range of experiences that were shared.

With a plethora of options to choose from, she tried to do as much as she could along with her husband and her children who played around the screen, also absorbing the palpable energy. She attended the discussion groups, talks and Artis. What was her favorite part? “I really enjoyed the Artis because there is something so powerful about saying the prayers twice a day. It inspires me to do that more in my regular life.”

After the Artis and prayers were recited, participants had the chance to perform. The singing at the Artis and the performance videos that the participants sent have stayed with Katy. “I have been thinking that it’s not that the Baba community has more talent than any other community, it is just that this platform brought that talent together and provided a supportive backing for expression through art.” Finally, she enjoyed the talks by Bill LePage and Wendy Connor more than anything for the rare chance to hear them share their profound lifelong connection with Baba.

The year after next, when Katy graduates out of the Young Adult phase, she hopes to see more integration between the young and old in the Baba world. But for now she continues to bask in the inspiration that this event has left her with. As we discuss Baba’s presence, I ask if being in this virtual event felt like being on Center. “Yes I felt I was on Center in that I felt a sense of belonging and joy. Life seemed lighter and I continue to have a spring in my step.” On many occasions during the weekend Katy confesses that she missed being at the Meeting place to experience the Young Adult gathering, but she knows that will come in time. “What’s most important is that it has left me with a desire to deepen my relationship with Baba.”