Today I read a meditation that was particularly meaningful. “The challenges that come our way in life are simply opportunities to change, to grow, and to become the best version of ourselves.” Matthew Kelly. It reminded me that life in itself is a challenge. Even Jesus Christ struggled as well as those around him. But it takes great strength and courage to stay strong and do the right thing. This is how we can change and grow.
I Found God today in a reminder that challenges are opportunities.
This morning as I was in prayer, I asked God to help me trust Him more. As I went through the day, I was reminded of the ways God already has taken care of me. I talked to a friend who is also a caregiver and remembered my incredible experience at Lourdes when I was a child. We also talked about how much our loved ones have been through and they (and we) have kept going. I listened to some music and thought about a specific time when I was terrified to move forward with what God was calling me to do, but I did it. That was one of the best decisions I have ever made. In prayer group tonight, a person said that it is not easy to follow Christ, it takes sacrifice, but it is worth it. All of these little reminders helped me to realize again that God is here, He cares, and He is trustworthy.
I Found God today remembering how He is trustworthy.
I usually am the first one awake and open the windows to let in some cool, fresh air. This morning when I opened the east facing window, I saw an amazing sunrise. The vibrant pink/orange colors only lasted a few moments. It felt like a little morning gift. I was happy that I caught a picture so I could share it.
I Found God today seeing a beautiful sunrise.
Tonight I had a conversation with a young man in my Bible class. He has a faith that is evident and intriguing. In the conversation he mentioned his wife. I asked how long they had been married. He said they were civilly married a couple years ago. Then he said that they had been living as brother and sister for the past 11 months preparing for their marriage in the church that took place recently on his birthday. He said that God really blessed them in wonderful ways during that time. I was amazed at his love and commitment for God, his wife, and those relationships.
I Found God today in an incredibly faithful young man.
Yesterday we made a trip to the cabin. It was a beautiful day, but in the middle of the afternoon, it all went awry. I laid down to take a catnap before driving home and started sneezing. My nose was stuffy, runny, and sneezy the rest of the night. It was a small battle driving home. I took a couple of allergy pills before bed and it seemed to clear up a little sometime during the night. I was in a stupor when I got up from the allergy pills, but did my best to function. We made it to church and even to the symphony. Today’s program included “The Planets” by Gustav Holst. I had been preparing and looking forward to listening to this piece. I remembered hearing it at home as a child. Earlier in the week, my mom’s friend brought over a description of each “planet” that she used while teaching music lessons. My brother played the music while we read the description which has seven movements:
Mars, the Bringer of War
Venus, the Bringer of Peace
Mercury, the Winged Messenger
Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age
Uranus, the Magician
Neptune, the Mystic
It was written before Pluto was discovered. The dynamics were terrific from super loud to super soft, from fast and boisterous to barely a sound. Towards the finale, a choir off stage chimed in with ethereal tones. In fact, the concert ended with the orchestra fading out completely leaving only the voices. As they slowly hushed into complete silence, no one moved. The conductor was still, the orchestra was frozen, and everyone in the audience was holding their breath. I don’t know how long it lasted until finally the conductor dropped his arms. The audience jumped to their feet in applause. It was an amazing concert and experience and I am so grateful that I felt well enough to participate.
I Found God today feeling well enough to enjoy an anticipated concert.
A friend of mine and her husband have been making regular trips to France and Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago – The Way of St. James. It is a pilgrimage journey with religious sites along the way ending at the tomb of St. James. They recently made their way back determined to finish the near 500 mile trek. Today was my friend’s 60th birthday. She shared that she received an unexpected gift when they arrived at a church at the same time as an English speaking group. There was a priest with them and they were preparing to celebrate Mass. That was the gift that she was grateful for. I found her thoughts very inspiring.
I Found God today in an inspirational friend.
During the past 3 years, my mom has been to physical therapy for various reasons. Whenever she has hurt something or is recovering from an illness, we go back to the same therapist. She truly is amazing. We say she has magic hands as she knows exactly how to manipulate the area that gives my mom problems. We joke that we would like to have her live with us, though we probably really mean it deep down inside. Today she watched my mom walk and told her why she thought her back was hurting. She tested her theory with my mom on the treadmill. She did seem to be correct. When my mom thought about walking the way her therapist instructed, her chronic back pain was nonexistent. She always encourages my mom who does more than she thinks she can. We have fun conversations and laugh a lot as well. To top things off, today a man came around with snacks for the employees. The therapist gave hers to my mom. It was a giant chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich. My mom enjoyed it tremendously.
I Found God today in my mom’s amazing physical therapist.
After 2 months of recovering from her latest bout of diverticulitis, my mom finally made it back to her Parkinson’s exercise class. Everyone there was so happy to her. She took things at her own pace, but kept going for the whole hour. One more time, she amazes me.
I Found God today as my mother continues another recovery.
I met with some friends today and we got on the topic of Catholic funerals. We talked about the beauty of the traditions and customs of the Church. Typically, funerals begin with praying a rosary, then a full Mass. I thought of 2 specific priests who sang the final blessing as the deceased is taken out of the church. It was incredibly moving. I got teary eyed just thinking about it. I am grateful that I was raised in this faith. As I get older, experience more, and learn more, I become even more appreciative of all God offers us through the Catholic Church.
I Found God today being grateful for faith.
My dad and brother have been busy transferring the old cassette tapes into the computer. The next step is to put them on CD’s so they can be played easily. My brother completed the first one today and we all listened. It was a compilation of my mother playing the piano when she was at her best. The music was incredibly difficult and we were all in awe of her ability. She said her hands hurt just listening to them. It was wonderful to hear and I’m grateful to have this to pass to future generations.
I Found God today listening to my mom’s gift of music.
Still Finding God 