This evening I watched an amazing discussion with Shia LaBeouf and Bishop Robert Barron. Shia had admittedly hit rock bottom and experienced an incredible conversion when he was offered an acting roll to play St. Padre Pio. It was a very powerful video and I highly recommend it. https://youtu.be/hjxKG4mR3U4.
I Found God today in an incredible conversion story.
When my sister arrived this morning, we all said hello and how are you and such. However, my brother’s dog was super excited and ran to her and wagged her tail and tried her best not to jump up. My sister petted her and told her what a good girl she was. It reminded me that when I was working in Youth Ministry, we were challenged with the question, “What if we were as excited to see people come in to an event as our dog’s are when we come in the door?” It was a good image to keep in mind. Only a few minutes later, I saw a Peanuts cartoon that portrayed the scenario. Charlie Brown got home and Snoopy was so excited to see him. That was quite a funny irony. Later I helped my mom with her shower. When she was all finished, we came out to the living room where my sister and brother were. I played the song, “Isn’t She Lovely” and we all danced. I thought we should all pay more attention when people enter a room or house. We should be enthusiastic and excited to greet one another, reveling in our relationships. How good we would feel and make others feel as well. And perhaps we could all have an entrance song and dance.
I Found God today remembering how important it is when we greet one another.
I took my mom for her haircut today and got talking with one of the ladies there. She asked about my mom and when I told her she was 90 and had Parkinson’s disease, she was surprised. She said what a blessing it is that mom is still mobile and functioning. I agreed and told the woman how hard my mom works every single day to keep on functioning. At the same time, the hairdresser was talking to my mom about a person she knows who also has Parkinson’s, and is really struggling. My mom told her how hard she works every day to keep on moving. Even though sometimes it seems like my mom is declining quickly, these conversations reminded me that she really is doing ok. She is a blessing.
I Found God today being able to have a different perspective.
Today is the feast of St. Louis. My mom remembered that at dinner time, perhaps because we used to live in the city of the same name. So we learned more about him. St. Louis IX was King of France in the 13th century, having become king at age 13. Throughout his reign, St. Louis defended justice and promoted peace. He organized ‘the court of the king;’ bringing regular reviews of feudal cases. He prioritized the poor; founding many hospitals and charitable organizations. Also, he loved architecture; supporting the famous Sorbonne University and the Sainte Chappelle, the ‘Holy Chapel’ known for its architectural complexity with stained glass. I was impressed that a teenage boy was so concerned with others. I would think it would be pretty easy for an adolescent king to find many ways to amuse himself. And yet, St. Louis did the opposite. Thinking of him gave me hope for our youth and I asked him to pray for them.
I Found God today in a selfless teenage king.
Today I brought my mom to have her hearing aids cleaned and checked. As we were waiting, other people were checking in for their appointments. One person was getting rather frustrated, though I didn’t hear exactly what was being said. A few minutes later, I heard the person say to the worker, “I’m sorry I was so short with you. I know you are just doing your job. I was just frustrated.” Those words brought a cumulative sigh of relief. When conversations get heated, it really affects everyone in the area. People feel uncomfortable or even fearful. An apology can immediately de-escalate a potentially volatile situation and bring calm. I thought the person was being very aware of themselves and those around them as they chose the path of peace instead of more upset. Everyone who was paying attention to the scene was grateful as well.
I Found God today in a public apology.
I had a dinner date with friends tonight, so my grandson graciously came over to spend time with my mom. When I got back home, I found them sitting on the sofa together looking through a photo album. They were on the page of the pictures of my mom and dad near the same age as my grandson. That was quite something. They finished going through the book and my grandson got ready to go home. He gave me the rundown of the activities they did and what kind of ice cream my mom ate. The whole scene was just so sweet, I felt my heart was melting. And I felt very blessed.
I Found God today seeing my caring grandson spending time with my mom.
Last night my mom and I sat out on the porch for a while before bed. There was a young boy across in the street wearing rollerblades. He was going around and around and around the block. My mom counted that he went around 8 times. It could have been more. My mom commented that he was sure to sleep well. When we recounted the story to a friend today, my mom said that she and my dad had gone roller skating in their younger days. The weren’t particularly good, so they didn’t go very often. That was something I don’t think I have ever heard before. I wondered how many other stories my mom and dad have hidden away.
I Found God today learning something new about my mom.
This morning the bishop of our Diocese celebrated Mass in our parish. I have seen him once in person and a couple of times online. He is a very humble, peaceful man and always speaks in a way that is important and relevant. Today he pointed out that as Jesus was making His way back to Jerusalem, He knew that He was facing arrest, abandonment, torture, and death. But it was during these times that He was most powerful in His ministry – healing, preaching, and performing miracles. The bishop said that should be a comfort to us. If we are feeling like we are heading down a path that appears to be full of anxiety, fear, chaos, pain, and/or suffering, this is exactly the time where God can be His most powerful. If we continue on His path for our life and remain close to Him, we can trust that He will have the final say. Resurrection will come after death. New life will come after suffering. We need to do our part in prayer, meditation, receiving the Sacraments, and trust God to do His part. After all, His after-plan is more than we can even imagine. The bishop’s message was encouraging and hopeful.
I Found God today as I was reminded to stay the course – faithfully.
Today was my granddaughter’s birthday party. She had a couple of her friends over for the festivities. They ran and screamed like only little girls can. I raised only boys, my sister had a boy, and my son had two boys before his daughter was born. So there have been many years of just boy parties. Today’s girl party was so different. The girls got excited about dolls and stickers and mermaids. And a light saber which was a gift from my other son. It was a joyful afternoon. And I just laughed every time they screamed.
I Found God today in joyful girls.
Today is my granddaughter’s birthday. I looked back at the photos and blog I wrote when she was born. I talked about what a difference she would make on the lives of those around her. Seven years later, her personality and characteristics are really showing through. She is smart, kind, and empathetic. She has a witty, yet dry sense of humor. And she loves her family. It is such a joy to get to know her more and see her often. I love watching her interact with my mom, they have a special connection. She has indeed, already made an impact on those around her. I worry about how the world might influence her as she gets older. But, for today, I prayed blessings and protection over her and trust her to Our Lord.
I Found God today in my granddaughter.
Still Finding God 