My men’s fellowship group has been meeting on Sunday nights for about two months now. Last night, we decided that we wouldn’t focus on our book study, but instead concentrate on getting to know one another better. It was a good choice, and yes, there was plenty of food available. 🙂
As we talked, I came to realize something. Most of us are so caught up in all the troubles we seem to face every day, we’re losing sight of the importance of taking time for others.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24The dog got me up extra early this morning, and as I let her out to do her business, I could see that we had the beginnings of a beautiful day.
The sun was nowhere close to being up yet, but it wasn’t dark either. The air was warm and there was a nice breeze blowing. I got my coffee and sat on my patio, thinking about the day ahead.
Recently, I returned to a little book I’ve had on my shelf for several years. Arise From Darkness:What To Do When Life Doesn’t Make Sense, written by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, is like an old friend that you turn to when things aren’t going well. Fr. Benedict doesn’t sugar-coat tough situations, and gives clear and practical advice on how to overcome serious problems that we all face from time to time.
Today, I’d like to focus on just one point he makes in the book. I’ve used it myself and Fr. Groeschel is right. When used carefully and consistently, this remedy always works.
The other day, I was talking to my mom about the rhythm of life, and how quickly time seems to go by. This is especially true as we get older. When I was in high school, our teachers seemed to be so old.
At dinner with some old friends when I was home in L.A. several weeks ago, we realized that those people we thought were so ancient were about our age now. Ouch…
As Christians move into the three most important days in our church life, its good to take a pause. This goes for you and me too. We all lead such busy lives, and it’s easy just keep running from thing to thing, place to place, each and every day.
When I met with a group of guys last Sunday night to talk about the formation of a men’s group, those with small children said that the only time they could consistently meet would be Sunday nights, because its one of the few free blocks on their calendars. That’s pretty much the same for the college students who want to join us. We’re busy, our kids our busy, our friends are busy.
I’m winding down my visit with my mom. It has been a good trip, and I’ve stayed longer than I have in quite some time. I’ve had the chance to catch up with old friends and see some of my family that I haven’t seen in a long time. Of course, these experiences remind me of just how far away I live. 🙁
This time of year, the lemon trees in my mom’s back yard are in full bloom. If you’ve never experienced this scent, it’s really quite beautiful. I picked up on it as soon as I got out of the car the night I arrived, and I’ve enjoyed sitting in the back yard breathing in the sweetness each day.
As I wrapped up my reading of Dale Carnegie’s book, Stop Worrying And Start Living, I was struck by something I found throughout its pages. God. He was scattered throughout both the author’s words and those of the people sharing their stories.
Person after person, great and small alike, shared the stories of their transformations, and God was in nearly all of them.
If Mr. Carnegie was writing today, I wonder if he would avoid talking about God, hoping not to offend and trying to reach a wider, secular audience?
I was sitting with my mother in her backyard early this morning. She is recovering from surgery and we were enjoying the wonderful flowers she has growing everywhere.
I was also enjoying the wonderful scent of the orange and lemon blossoms drifting over from her neighbor’s back yard. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and it was glorious. As I sat there, I took a few minutes to reflect on one of the stories from the last pages of How To Stop Worrying And Start Living, which I finished last night.
I just got back from the Windy City. I spent the past several days in Chicago with the folks from Loyola Press, learning about all they are doing to support people like me in parish faith formation. As always, I walk away energized and blessed by the efforts of this non-profit publishing house.
While I was there I had some time to continue reading from Dale Carnegie’s classic, How To Stop Worrying And Start Living. At the present time, you can pick up this gem for less than $10 on Amazon. If you don’t own it, please get a copy. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
I’ve been trying to make it to Mass every day since Ash Wednesday. So far, I’ve been successful, but today, it was so hard to get moving and make it on time. I’m glad I made the effort.