It’s a cold and icy morning here in my neighborhood, one of those mornings where you want to stay warm in bed for a bit longer.
Sadly, I’m already up and running, since today is going to be a very busy day for me. I’ve been traveling the past couple of weeks, and I’m slowly trying to catch up, in addition to the daily stuff that waits for my attention. I’m sure you experience the same thing all the time.
I had the chance to sit down with some friends last week to begin the process of talking through my doctoral project. We bounced around ideas and concepts from St. Ignatius, Scripture passages, and just general thoughts as to where I should head.
A point we all kept coming back to is that many people who might be drawn to what I have to say and who might consider taking part in one of my retreats will more than likely feel a sense of brokenness.
I just finished a huge project at work, and now I’m really ready to relax.
I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t get it done, but this afternoon, I hit the enter button and that was it.
Have you ever felt the pressure of a huge deadline? I’m sure most of us can relate.
IN GRATITUDE
Thank you, Father, for having created us and given us to each other in the human family. Thank you for being with us in all our joys and sorrows, for your comfort in our sadness, your companionship in our loneliness. Thank you for yesterday, today, tomorrow and for the whole of our lives. Thank you for friends, for health and for grace. May we live this and every day conscious of all that has been given to us. Amen
May God bless you and your family, today and always!
A co-worker of mine and I were recently walking over to the church for a funeral, and as we walked she commented on the number of people who die when seasons change.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that too, and I guess it’s just one of life’s fascinating rhythms. The funeral we were headed to was for one of our volunteers, a faithful woman who had served our church well for many years.
After Hurricane Sandy, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived in Ocean City, Maryland this past Sunday.
Our local news said there was quite a bit of damage, but I didn’t see much, other than beach erosion and some problems at the other end of the boardwalk.
What a crazy week it’s been. My heart goes out to the poor folks who have suffered so much due to Hurricane Sandy. Recovery will take a very long time, and for many, life will forever be marked by this terrible storm.
Although it seems so trivial now, I flew out to California last Thursday to attend a conference on diabetes in San Diego. Two of my brothers joined me, and the TCOYD (Take Control Of Your Diabetes) was fantastically good.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been reminded several times about the importance of forgiveness.
Too often we either refuse to forgive someone for a wrong done to us, or we fail to forgive ourselves for our own mistakes. We might also feel too uncomfortable to admit our faults and seek the forgiveness of someone else. Maybe even God?
Anyone who reads this blog know’s that the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola has been a big influence on my life.
Over three years ago, I took many of the principles and began applying them to my life, especially in the area of health.
A good friend of mine is out in Colorado this weekend for a mini vacation. He hasn’t travelled much, and he’s out in the Denver area visiting another friend.
I’ve enjoyed the texts and photos he’s sent the last few days. I can tell he’s having a great time, and the thing that he’s enjoying most is the beautiful scenery and the regional food he’s been trying. He’s got me thinking about my own upcoming trips.