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Unexpected Joyful Soul

Posted by eph21920 on April 5, 2021 in Happiness, Job, Joy, Stranger

It was trash pick-up time when I went for a walk in the neighborhood today. The trash truck was stopped about half a block from me as I turned a corner. As I got closer, I saw one of the workers sweeping up some debris from the road. I have never seen that before. He finished the job and energetically jumped on the back of the truck. The man who lived in the house where the truck was stopped came out to collect his cans. The worker cheerfully waved and smiled to the man as the truck departed. They passed me and the worker cheerfully waved and smiled to me as well. I think I smiled the rest of my walk. To me, this was such a great example of how a “job” doesn’t define who you are. Not everyone may take as much pride and enthusiasm in their work and remain happy – so much so that they spread it to others. This man was a joyful soul.

I Found God today in an unexpected joyful soul.

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Blessed Easter

Posted by eph21920 on April 4, 2021 in Faith, Family, Fun, Grateful, Happiness, Hope, Jesus, Past

It was a beautiful Easter in many ways. The weather was perfect. My sister’s and son came over to celebrate and we all dressed up. We tried to remember how we celebrated last year. Each of us had an idea, but no one could really figure it out. I think we were all pandemic traumatized at that time. But as the priest said at Mass today, “We cannot let these things discourage us. Our hope is in the Risen Jesus.” Both of our neighbors on either side of us hid Easter eggs out in the grass for their little visitors to find. It was fun watching them run back and forth in excitement. My mom remembered me and my siblings finding Easter treats that were hidden for us when we were little. And we recalled Easter egg hunts when my kids and nephew were younger. After a delicious meal, we colored some hard boiled eggs. After everyone left, we realized we were just enjoying each other’s company so much, no one even thought about taking pictures. Later we Zoomed with the whole family and my son sang, “Hallelujah”, while playing his guitar. My parents dwelled on how wonderful it was to get together with family in person who are here and seeing the rest on Zoom. It was a blessed day.

I Found God today in a blessed Easter.

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Breath of Fresh Air

Posted by eph21920 on April 3, 2021 in Connected, Creation, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Happiness, Life, Weather

It was an absolutely gorgeous day today and my sister was here, so I connected with a friend and went for a hike. We hadn’t seen each other in months and were teary eyed when we met up. We held our breath, faced opposite directions, and gave each other a big hug. Luckily we had arrived early enough to beat most of the crowd. It was a challenging hike following a partially ice-covered trail to the top of a waterfall. There were strategically placed benches along the way, so we took advantage and stopped to take in the scenery and chat. Since we are both caregivers, we had stories to swap and empathy to share. My friend is also a Christian and we always encourage one another spiritually as well. When it was time to part ways, we promised to continue praying for one another and stay in touch. It was a breath of fresh air.

I Found God today hiking with a friend I have missed.

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It’s About Love

Posted by eph21920 on April 2, 2021 in Connected, Faith, Life, Love

We participated in our local church’s Good Friday service online tonight. The priest talked about the word love. In the Greek language there are several words for “love” characterizing the kind and depth of the emotion. At the highest sense, love isn’t necessarily an emotion, but a choice. “Agape” love is about desiring the best for the other person. That is the kind of love that Jesus Christ emulated when He went through His agony, suffering, crucifixion, and death. All for our benefit – for our salvation. I thought about where I encountered love today. I found love in my son who came over and visited with my parents for a while as I got a haircut. I found love in my dad who printed and framed a large photo for my son that he wanted. I found love in my hairdresser who said she would pray for my parents and me. I found love in the hundreds of people who we saw that had attended the church service in person. Love, like God, is everywhere if only we are willing to see it.

I Found God today in love.

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Peace With Cookies

Posted by eph21920 on April 1, 2021 in Answer, Family, Food

My mom read an article in a magazine today that asked the question if peace can come from cookies. The response was, might as well try. My mom suggested that the next time there is a protest, we should bake tons of cookies. Then we can bring them to the protest and just start handing them out to whoever is there and whatever “side” they happen to be on. She figured everyone loves cookies and it would make them happy. I thought it was a great idea and got a visual of my mom shuffling along with a big basket on her walker passing out cookies. Sometimes she comes up with the best ideas.

I Found God today in my mom’s great idea for spreading peace.

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Family Vaccines

Posted by eph21920 on March 31, 2021 in Doctor, Family, Grateful, Happiness

Yesterday one of my brothers’ received his 2nd COVID-19 vaccination. Today my brother-in-law received his first dose. And my son and his wife were able to schedule their vaccines. I never thought we would all be so excited to get a shot. But as I have said, this means more visitors for my parents and more normalcy all around. We are blessed.

I Found God today as more family receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

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Our Unsung Hero

Posted by eph21920 on March 30, 2021 in Angel, Children, Death, Faith, Life, Love, Prayer, Tragedy

There was a Memorial Service today for the fallen Officer Eric Talley. I don’t mean to dwell upon it, but the words said about this man and his life are so inspirational. During this service, the priest from his local church spoke. Reverend Daniel Nolan, FSSP, of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church was quoted by a local station:

Nolan went on to discuss the power it took for Talley to sacrifice his life for others, saying it meant there was an idea, a principle, a character in the soul worth dying for.

“It’s a message that the world does not hear very often, does not see very often. He believed in something so strongly, he was willing to die for it,” Nolan said. “I would argue Officer Talley’s life was not taken; it was given. He gave it. And it was love that enabled Officer Talley to do this. He loved his fellow man. It was because he loved his family, he loved our Lord.”

Nolan read a poem written by Talley’s seven children for him on Christmas 2019 called “Our Unsung Hero,” which reads in part, “Dad, our unsung hero, Who guards and guides our way, We love you, and we thank you On this Christmas Day. May the Angels watch over you And guard you on your way. May God bless and protect you And bring you home each day.”

I Found God today in a heart-felt tribute to the Unsung Hero.

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Faith of One Fallen

Posted by eph21920 on March 29, 2021 in Death, Faith

One week ago, there was a senseless killing of 10 people in a grocery store in Boulder. One of them was Police Officer Eric Talley. He left behind a wife and 7 children. The other day I received an email notification that his funeral service would be held in the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver. The notice included a photo the officer with a priest and he was described as a “soldier for Christ.” The funeral “Solemn High Requiem Mass” was live streamed today and shown in part on the news. “Jesus has told us, greater love than this no man has than to lay down his life and Eric lived that,” Archbishop Samuel Aquila said. He also said that Officer Talley loved this type of solemn Mass. It was beautiful to see his the Catholic faith highlighted through this awful tragedy.

I Found God today in the beautiful faith of a fallen hero.

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Suffering is not Inconsequential

Posted by eph21920 on March 28, 2021 in Bible, Eternity, Faith, Hope, Humility, Jesus, Lent, Life, Love, Sacrifice

I started this Palm Sunday with a visit from my son. He went to church and brought some palms for me and my parents. That really helped us to feel part of the Mass as we participated online. As every Palm Sunday, we read the Passion of Jesus. It is always bewildering for me to remember that Jesus’ humble and seemingly weak actions (according to earthly norms) had an incredible and everlasting impact on the world and on our individual souls. Later in the day I read a beautiful, meaningful reflection:

“[Saint] Paul understood that the suffering he was going through somehow allowed him to share in Christ’s suffering for the world…In his own life, there was a time when he asked the Lord three times to remove a particular suffering from him (see 2 Corinthians 12:8). The response he received from the Lord was not “Oh, my oversight. That’s right, I took care of all that suffering. You don’t have to do anything.” No, God’s response was, “[Paul], my grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9)…It is completely opposite of the way the world thinks…What looked like the worst thing that ever happened on earth—Christ hanging on a cross, bleeding to death—became the source of salvation for the entire world. The point of weakness became the point of strength; it was transformed into the power over death and Hell. We have to get it through our heads that the kingdom of God is an upside-down kingdom according to the world’s perspective. Weakness confounds the wise. The poor and obscure confound the rich and famous…Whatever you are going through right now, remember that God has a plan for you. He wants to be united to you so closely that it resembles a spousal relationship…your suffering is not inconsequential; it is extremely valuable in the economy of God.”
—Jeff Cavins, When You Suffer

I Found God today reflecting on the power of weakness.

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Caring Dad

Posted by eph21920 on March 27, 2021 in Love, Relationship, Shopping, Stranger

My sister came over today so I took the opportunity to make a Target run and stock up. Every time I go into a store I look through the bras to see if there is one that will work for my mom. It’s hard for her especially since the straps go right over her pacemaker. As I was perusing, I noticed a young woman and a man looking through them as well. I didn’t think much of it until I heard their conversation. It was a little awkward as the man seemed to not know exactly what size or kind was needed. Then the girl said, “This is the hardest part about being a girl.” The man responded quietly, “This is the hardest part about being a dad.” She confirmed the relationship by calling him “dad” a couple moments later. I thought that was such a sweet thing for the dad to be doing for and with his daughter. When I left the store, before I pulled away, I realized they were parked right in front of me. The dad opened the car door for his daughter and closed it after her. Then he went around to the drivers side on got in. This dad seemed to be doing a great job of teaching his daughter that she should be treated with kindness and respect, particularly by other men.

I Found God today in a caring dad teaching his daughter how to be valued.

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