I got together with some friends last night for dinner. The weather here in Westminster is starting to remind us that we’re in the fall season. I think the low last night was in the 40’s.
As we sat outside talking for a bit, I realized how blessed I am. Despite all the problems in our world today (and in our own lives), we still have it really good. That’s cause for rejoicing. 🙂
Last night was the first night teaching my fifth grade class. Before we finished the year this past May, I made the decision to move up with my fourth graders, and I was really grateful that just about everyone signed up to have me be their teacher again.
Yesterday was like a family reunion, and we had so much fun, just talking and learning. We bonded very well last year, and I think that will only continue. I can’t wait to see it happen.
Yesterday morning, I got a little spiritual advice from a friend of mine. He pointed out that it seemed like when I’m not at my best, it’s because I’m trying to do it alone.
When you’re feeling down, or spiritually challenged, you need to have some friends to reach out to, and vice versa.
Of course, most of us know that, but how many are really working on those kinds of relationships? My guess is that, because we finds ourselves so busy, we’re not building those tight friendships that will sustain us over the long haul.
Friday was an interesting day. In the afternoon, I went to a funeral home for the viewing of a gentleman who died in our parish.
Something happened while he was participating in a triathlon, and he died. By all appearances, he was in top shape. He left a wonderful wife and a young son. Just tragic. I pray that the angels led him to paradise, the martyrs greeting him on the way to the heavenly Jerusalem.
As I was driving home, I was really thinking. This man was younger than me, in better shape than me, and yet he was dead. I thought back to my recognition of my own health issues a few years back, and I was very grateful that I made the changes I did. Of course, I need to do a lot more, and it’s hard to stay in maintenance mode. But, you have to take care of yourself, body, mind, and spirit.
I was sitting in my living room this morning doing a little reading. It was a quiet, peaceful time, and I got some much-needed solitude.
As I looked through the sliding glass window of my dining room, I watched as the leaves of my english walnut tree dropped its leaves onto the patio. It was beautiful to see them drift slowly to the ground. I must admit, however, that I wasn’t looking forward to cleaning them up 🙂
I was visiting a friend’s house recently, and picked up a book he had sitting on his desk. The Healing Light was written by Agnes Sanford.
I had some time on my hands and began flipping through the pages of this short book, which was written in 1947. In a nutshell, the author lays out the case for spiritual healing, and I was drawn in by the Sanford’s easy and free-flowing style of writing.
I’m not at the point I can recommend the book, but so far, so good. This morning, I was up early and read something that really struck me. I thought I’d share it with you, with the hope that all of us could flip the switch and tap into God’s power.
“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; the one who seeks, finds; and the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10
Since the summer, the words from this passage in Luke seemed to turn up everywhere for me. While on retreat, they came to me and I got them into my journal. An hour later, I listened to a presentation and the speaker said these lines would be the focus of his talk.
Someone recommended a prayer to me, and you guessed it, these words were what the prayer was all about. I could go on and on.
The weather is starting to get colder, and today is a combo of cold and rain. Summer has left us too soon 🙁
Today’s soup is pretty simple, and if you’re looking for something that is hardy and will warm you up, give it a try.
I used a small bag of frozen cheese ravioli, and they were perfect.
I had the chance to help a friend out today. His elderly father recently moved in with him and his family, and my friend asked me to stay with him while he went to an appointment.
My friends dad has been a deacon at his church for 33 years. He’s a saintly man, and, although his physical health is failing him, his mind is sharp and alert. It was a blessing for me to sit with him for a few hours. As he dozed, I sat there thinking about how fragile life can be, and how precious good health is.
About three years ago, I discovered a wonderful organization that operates in my community. Mission of Mercy is a Christian non-profit organization that provides free medical and dental care in several states, including Maryland.
Operating out of large mobile homes converted to doctor’s offices, they travel to communities with populations of underserved people. This organization is simply amazing 🙂