Today was my son Jacob’s birthday. At Mass this morning, the first reading was from Jeremiah 31:7-9. It started,
“Thus says the LORD:
Shout with joy for Jacob”
I poked my sister and we chuckled. A few minutes later, my mom caught the connection as well and poked me. We chuckled too. I thought, I do shout for joy for Jacob every day.
I Found God today being joyful for my son.
Yesterday my mom wanted to take a walk as the weather was mild. I wanted to get out somewhere other than around the housing complex. Then I remembered my son and his family moved into a house that is directly across the street from a beautiful “Reflection Pond” owned by the neighboring church. We went over to my son’s place and picked up my granddaughter who walked around the pond with us. The ducks in the pond followed us around for a while, probably hoping for a handout. My granddaughter said she loved ducks and nature. On one side of the pond was the sign from the church saying the pond was a place to find peace. My granddaughter said she always feels at peace when she is walking outside. When we returned to their house, we sat out on the porch for a while. At one point I realized at the end of the row of the chairs was my granddaughter, next to her was her mother, I was next in line, and my mom was at the end. There were 4 generations represented.
Today we celebrated my son’s’ birthdays. We had many family members over for food, fun, and lots of laughter. When I moved so far away from my son and his family, I never dreamed that we would be all together again to enjoy planned birthday parties, or spontaneous walks outside. It is such a blessing having both my boys and family so close.
I Found God today in the blessing of close family.
This evening when we got home from being out, I checked the front door for any deliveries. There was a small package on the ground. I have made sure I have extra bottles of Lourdes water to take along with me, or to give to other people. I ordered some about a month ago and yesterday was wondering where it was, or if I had done something wrong. I thought maybe that’s what was in the package. Upon further inspection, I saw it wasn’t for our household. So, on my walk to the mailbox, I brought the package to it’s rightful owner. The man was grateful and said he also had received a delivery for the incorrect address. He asked if I lived at that address, but it wasn’t mine. I continued to the mailboxes and as I scooped my few envelopes out, I noticed a small box on the ground. I figured perhaps I would need to make another delivery to one of our neighbors. However, this box was addressed to me. Sure enough, it was the bottle of Lourdes water I had ordered. I laughed out loud and smiled all the way home.
I Found God today receiving holy water after strange mail mix-ups.
I joined in on an online caregiving group today. I realized it has been 2 months since I had participated. The last time I talked with them, we were in the midst of trying to find a good place with good people who would take good care of my dad. As I caught them up to date, I realized how much has changed since then. I wouldn’t say things are “easier”, but I do feel things have settled to some extent. Even though my dad got COVID and struggles abound, I have more peace. Perhaps it’s because there are so many people now keeping watch over my dad and I don’t feel alone in the situation. Perhaps it is God’s grace. Perhaps both – or more. Whatever the case, it was helpful for me to talk about this part of the caregiving journey with people who completely understand.
I Found God today reflecting on the recent caregiving journey.
My mom joined her online exercise class this morning. One of the ladies complimented my mom on her outfit and said how sharp she looked. This meant so much to my mom that she brought it up at dinner. She wasn’t really thinking that she looked particularly stunning, but she felt good that the woman was thoughtful enough to say such kind words. You never know how a simple compliment might just make someone’s day.
I Found God today in a simple compliment.
As we finished the book of Psalms in my Bible class, the last homework question was, “What is your favorite Psalm?” This was a tough question as I found so many of them meaningful. I recognized quite a few from my days in the church choir. Then, I recognized even more in the contemporary Christian music that I listen to. I had a hard time narrowing it down to just one favorite. But then I landed on Psalm 139. To me, Psalm 139 is one of the most comforting passages in the Bible. It speaks of how intimately God knows me and loves me. But not just me, those who I love, care for, and worry about – which I know I need not do. And not just them, but every human being. He created each of us in His perfect love and is ever present in every day in every situation. It is a beautiful passage that brings me peace.
I Found God today in His love as described in Psalm 139.
Today I was surprised and overjoyed to get a phone call from not one, but two long time far away friends. I was able to catch up with both. We listened to each others’ stories and promised to continue to pray for one another. I felt very blessed.
I Found God today catching up with friends.
I kept my brother very busy while he was here for a visit. He said to make a list of things that needed to be done, so I did. He did lots of projects for my mom, my dad, and me. We also made daily trips to see my dad. I was glad for another good visit today as my dad was awake, aware, and able to converse. I’m sure when my brother arrived several days ago after a harrowing 2 days of driving that he didn’t know what he was in for. There was some down time. We watched a movie one night and enjoyed brunch this morning with almost the entire family, which was great. But, for the most part, I kept my brother going. He’s probably going to need a rest when he returns home tomorrow. I am grateful for his help, his patience, and his company.
I Found God today in my helpful, caring brother.
My brother has been visiting for a couple of days now and has been helping with all kinds of things that need to be done for both my mom and my dad. We have gone to see my dad for the past two days, but he has been fast asleep. Since he got COVID, he is still very tired and when his body is ready to sleep, that’s all that can be done. We went again this morning to find him curled up in bed. My brother announced himself and my dad responded with eyes closed that he wanted to visit, but couldn’t wake up. We just left him alone to sleep while we visited amongst ourselves and took care of a few things in his apartment. After an hour, he stirred. I gently nudged him and told him my brother was here. My dad was surprised and happy to hear that and evidently had slept enough for the time being. He got himself up and he and my brother had a good conversation about astrophotography. My dad was very engaged and interested as my brother explained about his new telescope set up. I didn’t even understand most of what they were talking about. I was so happy that they finally had a good visit.
I Found God today in a good visit with my dad and brother.
When we arrived to visit my dad today, the young woman who greets us at the door couldn’t wait to tell us her good news. She said she just found out she was pregnant. She said her friends there at work will throw a gender reveal party when the baby is old enough to find out. The party would be there and everyone would be invited. It’s just another example of how the people there become family. The young woman also shared that she had been pregnant before, but lost the baby at 7 months. I told her we would be praying extra hard for her and her little one. She was grateful.
I Found God today in shared excitement of happy news.
Still Finding God 