Beautiful couples...

In the morning before going to work, I visited "Sumiyoshi Taisha". After moving to my current town, I already visited here a few time, but I didn't have enough time to make a prayer for the Gods worshiped in the shrine. 

When I normally get here, two big Dog guardians' stone statues are welcoming me. Compared to other shrine's ordinary ones, they are big in size, and placed majestically checking visitors. I always feels nervous looking at them. 

Before going to the alters, 2 beautiful couples were doing their wedding's photo shooting sessions. Very lucky! The brides and grooms were amazingly beautiful wearing Japanese traditional wedding costumes. 

I hesitated to take their photos, but couldn't resist it because of their beauty. Later in the afternoon, it started raining. So they were very lucky that they didn't get caught in Winter rain. 

I greeted the Gods there at each alter politely and made a wish. My wish is very simple. I just asked them for a plenty of support that my spirit and I myself can keep on walking on the right truck anytime anywhere which I'm destined to. 

After the prayers, I requested the certificate of today's visit to the shrine office. And one shrine maiden gave me the waiting number. 

"22"

I said, "Yes! I've got it again!"

For me as I keep saying, the number "22" is a very important lucky number. I felt that the Gods are beside next to me, and it was like they were responding to my prayers. 

It was on the 22nd of January. By receiving this number on this day, it became more meaningful to me. 

As if they were trying to say to me, 

"Just keep on waking with faith...". 

Masami