I have been trying to up my prayer game for Advent by adding this prayer and that prayer. This morning I felt the need to just be silent – to stop talking, to listen, to experience God’s presence.
I Found God today in silence.
Handmade Wreath
Tomorrow is my grandson’s birthday, so the clan came over today for lunch, cake, and party. After that, I had an idea for an art project that everyone was gracious enough to indulge me with. It was a simple wreath that I had made with the kids when I was doing home day care. Everyone traced their hands on green paper and cut them out. I arranged them and attached them to a paper plate. Each handprint looked like a bough of evergreen, and when layered all together they made a beautiful display. My granddaughter and I had fun gluing glitter on some pine cones that I had collected from the cabin. They will make a nice accent to complete the wreath. Once it is finished, I will bring it up to my dad’s and hang it on his door. I enjoyed doing the project with everyone and had fun using the creative side of my brain for a while.
I Found God today doing a fun project with family.
RAWtools
I turned the news on briefly tonight to see if they were showing the local annual Parade of Lights. While it was on, they highlighted an organization called RAWtools. They take donated and surrendered guns and make garden tools out of them. As I listened, I thought of the scripture in Isaiah 2:4, ““They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation; they will train for war no more.” Just then, the man who was being interviewed said that he was influenced by that scripture. He thought about how that might look in today’s society and started the business. He wanted to take a non-violent stance and actually do something real that would make a difference. The organization doesn’t just make rakes or forks, but they host events for people to donate their weapons, to tell the story of why they made that decision, and to help craft a new tool. Each part of the process is intentional and helps heal wounds of violence and grief. This one man took a look at the world, meditated on God’s Word, and created a tangible way to bring the scripture alive. It was a beautiful story with a wonderful message.
I Found God today in one man’s non-violence impact.
There Is No Other
This morning I prayed with Isaiah 45:15-25. The words, “I am the Lord, there is no other,” reminded me that it was the theme for a retreat I took the high school youth to many years ago as a youth minister. I was immediately taken back to the place, the summer heat, the music, the excitement of having so many young people all together learning more about our amazing God. I revisited the highlight of the weekend, which was Eucharistic Adoration. I closed my eyes and remembered the images and feelings as the priest walked through the crowd with the monstrance. For many youth and adults alike, this was a truly powerful encounter with Jesus Christ. It was an amazing experience for me in the past, and again as I re-lived the moment.
I Found God today re-living a deep encounter with Jesus Christ.
The Baby Garden
My daughter in law has told me many times about her grandmother. She was a loving woman who always took care of other people’s children and especially loved caring for the babies. As her health declined, she felt comfort by holding a baby doll. Her family told her that there was a special place for her in Heaven – a baby garden – where she would be able to continue caring for the infants. Before she passed away, she said that someone was going to have a baby. My daughter in law found out 2 weeks later that they were expecting my granddaughter. When my granddaughter was younger and asked about the beginning of her life, her mom teasingly said she came from monkey land. My granddaughter was adamant that wasn’t true. Her mom asked what she thought and was floored when she answered that she came from the beautiful baby garden. My daughter in law and granddaughter were in the neighborhood today, so stopped by for a short visit. Out of the blue, my granddaughter said that when she was “spectating”, she thought her name might be Emma or Violet or a couple others. Her mom asked when she was spectating. She said it was before she was in her mom’s belly. Her mom asked if it was when she was in the baby garden and she replied yes, that was it. I asked her then who chose her mom and dad? Was it her? Or someone else? She thought about that for a while, but said she didn’t remember. The thoughts and words that come out of this little girl truly amaze me.
I Found God today in my granddaughter’s beautiful mind and soul.
Meaningful Generational Time
Every year our church gives people the opportunity to purchase gifts for children who need them. Each year I take tags off the “Giving Tree” that correspond to the ages of my grandchildren. This year, since my grandchildren are here, I invited them to come shopping with me. This afternoon my mom and I met them at the store. My oldest grandson is 18, so he drove them and was a great help. They each thoughtfully chose gifts for the child described on their tag. Then we went to my house and wrapped them all so they’re ready to go under the tree at church. My granddaughter did take a tumble at the store, but her older brother sprang into action as he scooped her up and helped her feel better. He’s so attentive and I love seeing how the three of them care for each other. I felt so blessed to spend this time with my mom and grandchildren together. I’m hoping that I’m helping to make meaningful memories for all.
I Found God today spending meaningful time with my mom and grandchildren together.
God’s Love is Different
Tonight, the Advent meditation I read asked the question, “How is God’s love different from human love?” My mom and I pondered this a little bit. We felt that most of all, God’s love is constant and consistent. People fall in and out of love all the time. It is rare indeed to find a human form of everlasting, unconditional love. Also, I told my mother that I love her very much. But I am keenly aware that I don’t act like it all the time. In my human weakness, I get impatient, tired, fearful, frustrated, overwhelmed, and don’t always act like the loving person I want to be. I thank God that He is not subject to such things. I can be certain that He loves me fully when He created me, now in this moment, tomorrow, and forever.
I Found God today remembering His constant unfailing love.
Wisdom of Caregivers
Today was the last day of the most recent caregiver class that I have been attending. This one focused on processing your emotions and came at the perfect time – of course. The last thing we talked about was what we would take away from the sessions. There was so much wisdom in the group. These are some of the answers people gave:
I am not alone. I need to be able to adapt to constant changes. Let go and let God, but still do your part. Don’t forget about self care in both big and small ways. There are helpful services that we can tap into. People who come to help will never do things like me, but they deserve to be appreciated. What it all comes down to is that we need to have hope. It’s ok to be joyful in difficult situations. It’s important to be grateful.
These insights were so helpful to ponder as a caregiver. But I thought it was also great life advice. I was grateful for being able to attend, to talk, and to learn.
I Found God today in the wisdom of hard working caregivers.
Waiting But Not
First Sunday of Advent already. I heard and read several different reflections on the day. I especially enjoyed watching a video by a priest that my family loves. What I came to understand is that Advent is a time of waiting for both the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and for the day when He will return again. While we’re waiting, Jesus is waiting for us – right now – to open our hearts and lives to Him. No matter where our relationship is with Him, He always offers us more. More peace, knowledge, courage, patience, etc. But it is up to us to allow Him more space. We do this through prayer, fasting, and serving others. So, while we wait in anticipation for Jesus, we are not complacent. He is waiting for us to move toward Him so He can love us more.
I Found God today understanding that as we wait for Him, He is waiting for us.
Made the Visit
It has been hectic for my son and his family since they moved here. They had been looking forward to visiting my dad, but COVID, new job and schools, illnesses, and trying to get settled in a new house kept everyone very busier than anticipated. Today my son and his wife made the time to go to the facility with me and my mom. We found my dad asleep as usual, but he woke pretty easily and was happily surprised to see them. After he figured out the situation and who they were, he brightened up. He kept up mostly coherent conversation and laughter for about an hour til he got a bit of a stomach ache and started fading. I was so glad that they finally were able to visit and see the place and understand how the whole thing works. Next time they will bring the kids.
I Found God today seeing my son and his wife and my dad interact.
