Inspiration
"First, I give thanks to my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is heralded throughout the world. God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in proclaiming the Gospel of his Son, that I remember you constantly, always asking in my prayers that somehow by God's will, I may at last find my way clear to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may share with you some spiritual gift so that you may be strengthened, that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by one another's faith, yours and mine." Romans 1: 8-12
I was trying to come up with a name for this blog, that I hope will bring some of us together in the interim. I told my husband that my Bible usually gave me direction but it was falling flat. I no sooner said that when I opened to this passage. I thought about it and considered the purpose of this blog and whether the title was right. Then I read the passage and it was clear. Though Paul is in very different circumstances and somewhat different goals, I think it reflects very well the point of this undertaking, that is, to keep us connected. Especially on the harder days.
I was having a conversation with one of the Catechists the other day and all of the uncertainty, the added homework, the never-ending housework and the inability of being able to see an end in sight was making for a highly stressful situation. So my hope is that this space can be an exchange of support, a place to locate resources to nourish us, or a place to just have a laugh since we will be experiencing even harder days.
This week especially is going to be difficult for many of us as we follow the sadness in our world and experience the sadness of the coming days in our liturgical year. But sadness isn't the enemy, it is a gift. Because of our ability to feel deep sorrow, we are also able to feel deep joy, (cue Fr. Tom's homily). It is only because we love our parish and the community that we feel such a loss at this time when we aren't allowed near it.
That is an incredible gift. Not everyone can boast such a thing.
But we can be together here and we can first, give thanks.
I will start. I give thanks for the first flowers of spring that are popping up everywhere, here are some, I hope you enjoy them.
I was trying to come up with a name for this blog, that I hope will bring some of us together in the interim. I told my husband that my Bible usually gave me direction but it was falling flat. I no sooner said that when I opened to this passage. I thought about it and considered the purpose of this blog and whether the title was right. Then I read the passage and it was clear. Though Paul is in very different circumstances and somewhat different goals, I think it reflects very well the point of this undertaking, that is, to keep us connected. Especially on the harder days.
I was having a conversation with one of the Catechists the other day and all of the uncertainty, the added homework, the never-ending housework and the inability of being able to see an end in sight was making for a highly stressful situation. So my hope is that this space can be an exchange of support, a place to locate resources to nourish us, or a place to just have a laugh since we will be experiencing even harder days.
This week especially is going to be difficult for many of us as we follow the sadness in our world and experience the sadness of the coming days in our liturgical year. But sadness isn't the enemy, it is a gift. Because of our ability to feel deep sorrow, we are also able to feel deep joy, (cue Fr. Tom's homily). It is only because we love our parish and the community that we feel such a loss at this time when we aren't allowed near it.
That is an incredible gift. Not everyone can boast such a thing.
But we can be together here and we can first, give thanks.
I will start. I give thanks for the first flowers of spring that are popping up everywhere, here are some, I hope you enjoy them.
What do you give thanks for?
I give thanks for the gift of nature that carries on when the world has seemingly come to a halt. Spring's arrival is a sign from God that not all has ceased. The wonders and miracles of God's creation are still to be found and are encircling us as reminders that we, too, will keep forging ahead.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Mary Beth! It is a constant reminder that life, indeed, goes on.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I give thanks for the subtle inspirations the Lord sends my way, helping us adapt to these new circumstances. Although I cannot be with my parents in the ways we've grown used to, we have found other ways to be together: socially distant walks together, visits in the driveway or through a window, presents left for each other on front porches, games played over technology. I believe that every time we come up with a new way to be "together," the Lord is working in our lives. He sees that we are having a hard time and helps us adjust and discover a whole new way.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you have been able to adjust. I think I am just now getting there!! God is so good!
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