Today I read a short reflection early in the morning that I think helped me to keep my focus and not let my mind get carried away with negative thoughts. It read:
“Moral of the story; we’re not in control. God is. Forget that and we’ll lose our way and our lives to fear and anxiety. ” Chris Stepien from Dying to be Happy
I Found God today in a reminder that I am not in charge, nor should I be.
After spending a couple of days in the serenity of the mountains at the cabin, it was time to head home. We didn’t get out early and when we were ready to start packing the car, it started raining. And lightning and thundering and pouring for a long time. Finally there was a lull in the storm and we packed up quickly and headed out. Once we were on the road, my mom grabbed the rosary and we started praying. All during the rosary, the roads were dry and the traffic was light. However, we joined the traffic when we came to the first major city. It also started raining lightly. I’m not sure why we didn’t start the rosary over again. But, in any case, we arrived back home safely in between major storms. We were very happy about that and thanked God.
I Found God today in a safe drive, particularly during prayer.
Today was pretty relaxing – not like the way I would celebrate the Fourth of July years ago. My sister and I cooked and went for a walk and took some pictures. My parents read and did some projects. We all watched the rain showers for a while and napped. Later we listened to the annual concert in the park and watched the fireworks online. Everything is very different this year, but we are doing our best to stay connected.
I Found God today relaxing.
Today we heard from my brother who was super excited and pretty exhausted as well. He was able to participate in something he has always wanted to do. A couple of days ago, he made a trip to racing track in Nevada and took a course on the vehicle he purchased. He learned more about the details of the car and got to drive similar cars very fast on the track. Listening to him enthusiastically describe his experience and elation was very joyful for us as well. We were glad he was able to take the trip, that it was safe, and that he had a great time.
I Found God today experiencing joy with my brother.
I was happy to get together with my sister today. As she was driving, she was thinking of all the fond memories she had at the cabin. One time, she was putting her son to bed and saw a bear on the deck. She yelled and my mom ran and got a pot and a spoon and pounded on the pot. That scared the bear and it climbed down the post of the deck. My dad was downstairs and heard my mom and sister yelling. He turned in time to see the bear climb down the deck and run off into the woods. Another time, my nephew was sitting outside very patiently while the chipmunks were scurrying about. He had a coffee can with some seeds in it. One of the chipmunks went right into the can. My nephew quickly put the lid on and caught him. He thought he would take it home for a pet and was pretty upset when his mom told him he couldn’t keep it. There were other funny cabin memories as well that we talked and laughed about.
I Found God today remembering fun and funny times.
Last week, my prayer group discussed the Gospel for this past Sunday. One of the ladies watched Mass with Fr. Mike Schmitz who posts videos through Ascension Press. She told us she thought it was very powerful and that we might enjoy watching it as well. She was right. First of all, he is incredibly energetic and engaging. He had much to say. But what struck me was the message that all we have – including our relationships – are gifts from God. We can love our things and love our relationships, but we are to love God more as He is the one who gives us them all. More than that, as we live our lives, we will need to let go of everything we have in some way, whether that be health, money, or our desires. In the end, all we have will be gone and there will only be God. Will we let go begrudgingly, or with love as we look forward to spending eternity with Him. The more time I spend in prayer, the more I get to know Him, and the more I trust Him with everything and everyone that He has lovingly put into my life.
I Found God today reminded that He is the giver of all I have.
My mom participated in her online Parkinson’s exercise class this morning. After the hour long workout, they had a time for socialization. Each person had an opportunity to tell about their careers and places they have lived. It was amazing to hear the robust lives that they had. I know it is unfair to meet people as they are right now and think that you know who they are without giving consideration to their past. I see it happen with my parents. In the Parkinson’s group, each person discussed what they “used to do” and how they have had to make radical changes in their lifestyle due to the disease. Yet, here they were – my mom included – exercising, supporting one another, laughing, and doing the best they can to keep themselves moving and motivated. It was incredibly inspirational.
I Found God today in inspiring people.
It has been now 4 months since my parents and I have received Holy Communion and even longer since we have been to Mass. After my dad came home from rehab and before the corona virus hit, we were blessed to have an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion come to the house a couple of times. I have been talking with the deacon in our parish and he said I would be able to become an EMHC to bring Communion to my parents. I completed the training and met with the deacon to go through the details. Today I was able to go to the church, receive some consecrated hosts from the deacon, and bring them home to my parents. I followed the outline in the book that was provided for the prayers and scripture readings. Then, after months of waiting – fasting – we received Our Lord in Holy Communion. We were indeed the domestic church. It was an incredibly intimate and personal moment that connected us in a real way to the larger Church. I know that there are so many elderly in places that won’t let anyone in to visit – much less pray with them and bring them Communion. I was just so grateful again that I am able to help my parents in unanticipated ways.
I Found God today being able to bring Him to my parents in a real way.
My dad has been pondering a situation that needs some kind of resolution. This afternoon we had our weekly Zoom session with the family. Almost everyone was present. My dad brought up the issue and we had a really great conversation. There was collective wisdom in the family and a potential settlement that wasn’t thought of before. Now my dad has a new direction that seems to be a good answer.
I Found God today in collective family wisdom.
I had some time to myself today, so I got in touch with a friend. She is a very faithful woman and always upbeat. When we get together, we usually take a walk, talk, and laugh a lot. However, she had a very stressful week and just wasn’t up to doing anything. So, I picked up coffee and we visited on her deck for a while. She vented for a while and got some of her pent up anxiety out. And we were still able to laugh. We both felt better when we parted ways.
I Found God today being able to help a friend feel better.
Still Finding God 