Happy New Year to you also Tom. Sounds like you were meant to find that hutch. When the time is right, I will make a place of worship in my home. For now,
Mother and Sri Ramakrishna sit atop my mantle. I recently needed a frame for something at work and grabbed Swamiji's picture which is now in the back floor board of my car. One day at work in a distressed state I walked to my car, opened the back door and saw Swamiji with turban and all on the floor board and what a comfort it was! Poor Swamiji,I do not at all mean to sound disrespectful, but for me, his image was at the right place, the right time.
My best to you and all my spiritual family for the New Year.
Glad your on board, Tom.
RE: "Sounds like you were meant to find that hutch"
That is a very astute observation. I also like the story of Swamiji, arranging to have His photo on the floorboard of your car; at the precise moment, when you needed the 'darshan' of seeing His reassuring countenance.
Incodentally, the 'hutch' sits directly atop my bureau, with the legs 'over' the sides; rather than on the top, where they were originally designed to be. In other words, it is a 'perfect fit'. If the bureau were a bit wider, or the hutch a bit narrower; I would have been forced to saw off the legs; which would have reduced considerably the stability of the unit.
As a matter of fact, when required, I simply slide my air conditioner back towards the window,
without any need of lifting the heavy monster and/or re-installing it.
When I bought the hutch for 20 dollars,
I knew exactly what I wanted it for....and I had a 'hunch' that the 'hutch' would fit...and it did!
This conversation brings me back to something I read in the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna:
The Master said:
"I had planted a grove of tulsi in the Panchavati for performing japa and meditation. I had the idea that it should be enclosed by a fence of bamboo canes. Later I found that a bundle of bamboo canes and a small piece of string had come floating in with the tide in front of the Panchavati. A labourer of the temple joyfully informed me about it."