My dad found some renewed energy at the cabin yesterday. He was very busy while we were there doing the things he would normally do. He said that he felt good going up and down the stairs and sorting through tools until suddenly he realized that perhaps he should be taking it a little slower and easier. There were no reprucusions yesterday or today from his work, so he continued right at it today. It was good to see him happily active.
I Found God today witnessing my dad’s renewed energy.
It has been a very long time since we have been to the cabin. As the weather gets warmer and our schedule lightens, we have been wanting to get back up there. We did have one attempt earlier this week, however my mom just wasn’t feeling up to it. This morning everyone was enthusiastic, so we made the trip. We did a little cleaning, checked things over, went for a walk, enjoyed the serenity, experienced nature, had lunch, took a nap, and went back home. As we viewed the scenery during lunch, I commented that being there just made me exhale a long sigh and relax. It is such a wonderful retreat. My mom and dad said that is the reason they built the house in the first place.
I Found God today in a wonderfully serene get away.
I received a wonderful reflection the other day and kept it in my inbox. It was a quote from St. Mother Teresa who always had meaningful and simple insights. I read it again today and was amazed and moved by the continued relevance of her words:
“The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.”
I Found God today in a poignant, yet challenging reflection.
It has been a couple weeks since my mom’s procedure to replace her pacemaker and she has been doing her best to remain active without being too strenuous. Today she felt like trying out her Parkinson’s exercise class that is held live online. She moved best as she could. After the class, the group had some social time. The topic for discussion was, “What is one thing that you struggle most with Parkinson’s?” My mom’s answer was anxiety. Several other participants agreed. One gentleman in particular talked about how difficult it is for him to talk on the phone or even visit in person at times. It was hard to believe, as he always seems very chatty. It shows that you never really know what is going on inside another person. The instructor pointed out the value of talking with each another about these things so you don’t feel all alone. My mother completely agreed with that.
I Found God today in caring support for my mom.
My dad was going through some things today and came across a prayer of sorts that was written by my nephew when he was a child. It is a beautiful attempt to put his own spiritual insights at a very young age into words. I was amazed at how his message from years ago is relevant and encouraging in our current world. But, that is how God is.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I am one of his flock.
I like that we are all different.
Not on the outside, but on the inside.
It isn’t your looks that matter.
It depends on the way your soul acts.
With the Lord as my shepherd,
moving from field to field is going forward.
To reach a destination is your actions.
However it turns out, we are all equal.
Not on the outside but on the inside.
The Lord is my father – not on the outside, but on the inside.”
I Found God today in words of wisdom and truth from a child’s view.
I made blueberry pancakes for my dad for Father’s Day this morning – one of his favorites. Then my sister came over with coffee and treats for him as we showered him with gifts. Later in the afternoon, we had our family Zoom session and my other sister gave us a tour of her garden. The vegetables and fruits are growing beautifully under her constant, tender care. It was also fun watching close up chicken antics. After that, my brother’s each made their own personal video call. My dad was pretty weary, but had a very nice Father’s Day. I think everyone enjoyed their efforts as much as he did.
I Found God today as the family loved my dad on this Father’s Day.
My sister came over today. I mean actually came over and in the house for a real visit. We each gave her a big hug and cried. While she stayed at the house for a long visit with my parents, I met a friend who I haven’t seen in months. We didn’t hug, bit still cried. She is the caregiver for her husband who has Parkinson’s. We felt so blessed to enjoy the gorgeous day and take a hike. We talked about how we have been holding up over the past 3 months. Later I ran a couple of errands. Even though I continued to take precautions, the day felt like some kind of normalcy. We have been doing our best to stay safe at home and not to have close contact with others over the last 3 months. However, as the world seems to be “opening up”, we recently decided that we need to be in closer contact with our people for the sake of our own well being. The day was more wonderful than I even have words to describe.
I Found God today being in meaningful contact with loved ones.
Today was the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is a celebration to once again remind us of the tremendous love Jesus has for us and how He holds us close in His heart. This afternoon I thought it would be good to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. I came across the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy website. On there I found a video of the prayers along with Eucharist Adoration that was held earlier in the day. I participated best I could in my bedroom and wondered if it “counted”. Then it occurred to me that God is beyond all space and time. Even though I was in my room, looking at a computer monitor, and watching a video of something that had already happened, God was present there. I put the concern out of my head and was able to spend some quality time in prayer. I left that space with a much needed new sense of peace.
I Found God today receiving His peace in a virtual setting.
Today I was talking with a friend about yesterday’s theme of harmful fear. We talked about how trusting in God’s love and goodness is the antidote to fear. That, of course, is easier said than done. But she said something else that to me was profound and that I would like to try to remember. Trust is not thinking that everything will be “fine”, but knowing that going through potential pain or difficulties will still bring about God’s plan, which is always for the good. One example that we talk about often here is the timing of my dad’s stroke. It was a horrible thing for him and all of us to go through. But, we are grateful it happened when it did instead of just a few short weeks later. As it was, my dad was able to complete his physical therapy and was well on his way to recovery before the COVID-19 virus changed everything. I cannot even imagine him going through that ordeal without being in contact with anyone in the family.
I Found God today in a reminder to trust.
A family friend used to come over once a week and play piano with my mom. Then we would go to lunch. We haven’t seen her in 3 months. But everyone felt comfortable enough to invite her over today. We all started with our masks on. However, it wasn’t long before it became frustrating for my dad to understand what was being said. My mom had a difficult time speaking loudly enough through the mask and kept pulling it up over her nose. We finally just gave up and all took off our masks so we could visit freely. In our conversation, my parents and friend talked about the difficulties they all have survived thus far – polio, german measles, world wars, tuberculosis, etc. I talked about my fears in regards to the corona virus and trying to keep my parents safe and sound – always. In some ways that can cause more stress than is necessary. My dad said that he’s not particularly afraid. He said he’s 90 years old and has lived a good life and that something will take him at some point. My mother agreed, though she is more fearful than my dad. In the afternoon I joined in a virtual caregiver group. We also talked about fear. One person responded that fear in itself is harmful and can cause major health issues. Then tonight I met with my prayer group. When I opened the scripture, there were the words from Jesus, “Do Not Be Afraid . . .” I got the message and was grateful for the reminder how much God loves me and my parents.
I Found God today in a reminder not to be afraid.
Still Finding God 