For Christmas, my dad generously gave me some gift certificates to a spa. Today I was able to use one and got myself a massage. It was the most wonderful hour I have had to myself in a very long time. My body is like a noodle now, but in a good way. It felt so great.
I Found God today pampering myself.
I started my day at the YMCA and the aqua aerobics class. It is never easy to get out of bed to make this happen, but it is so worth it when I do. This morning we used pool noodles as one of our “weights” to challenge our muscles and balance. It is difficult to put one noodle under one foot and hold another noodle in your hand and do jumping jacks in the deep water. There were 2 fairly new ladies in the class and as they struggled with the movements, the noodles kept popping up and getting away from them – as it does to me from time to time as well. But they just laughed and laughed. It was hysterical to them, which made it hysterical to everyone else. On top of that, there was a CD playing compiled of the greatest love songs as chosen by the individuals in the class. When we weren’t laughing, we were singing. And exercising all the while. It was such an uplifting way to start the day.
I Found God today starting it off with joy.
My mom just finished reading the book, “Proof of Heaven; A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife”, by Eben Alexander MD. He didn’t believe in heaven, hell, the soul, or God. Then he was suddenly attacked by an illness that shut down his brain. While he was in a coma for 7 days, he had an afterlife experience. My mom told us all about the amazing story. Towards the end of the book, the man tries to scientifically explain the world that exists with ours but on a different level. It was too much to take in. There was also a beautiful poem that she read out loud for a bit until she got teary eyed, “When Tomorrow Starts Without Me”, by David M. Romano. Part of it reads:
“… He said This Is Eternity
And All I promised you
Today for life on earth is done
But Here it starts a new
I promise no tomorrow
For today will always last
And Since each day’s the exact same way
There is no longing for the past
So When Tomorrow starts without me
Do not think we’re apart
For every time you think of me
Remember I’m right here in your heart”
I Found God today contemplating the afterlife.
Yesterday when my mom’s friend was visiting, we were lamenting over the state of affairs and down right evil in our city, country, and world. I personally become overwhelmed with the news of horrific events. I want to do something to help, but other than pray, there really is nothing I can do. This can lead me to feel guilty about not doing enough. As I started Lent today, I read and watched several meditations. The one from Dynamic Catholic struck me most. It started out by talking exactly about those feelings I struggle with. In a nutshell, the message was that God has a place for each of us where we are to use our gifts to make a difference in a loving, positive manner. It is your “sweet spot”. In the comment section after the video, hundreds of people shared their “sweet spot” and how they were affecting lives right where they are. There was even a man who was caring for his parents that sparked a long thread. I empathized and understood as that is my life right here and right now. It was encouraging, comforting, and inspiring.
I Found God today realizing my “sweet spot”.
Tomorrow we begin another season of Lent. I read a meditation this morning, “Open your heart, open your mind, and open your soul to the miracles God wants to work in and through you.” – Matthew Kelly. This was definitely an encouragement to get ready for Lent. I have seen so many opportunities that will be available and am excited to begin. Perhaps it sounds strange to be excited for 40 days of prayer, fasting, and giving. But I know that God can change my heart and I know this is part of the recipe – my part – to produce amazing results. So, yes, I’m excited. And I’m ready.
I Found God today in anticipation of what He can produce in me.
The other day, I read a meditation that stated, “Every single person in the Bible is put there to serve you. Hidden between the lines of these ancient texts, they wait, wanting to teach you the great truths of the journey.” – Matthew Kelly. I had my Bible class tonight and this statement really rang true to me. The stories and revelations that are contained in Scripture are awesome, especially when taught by a knowledgeable, faithful person. The connections between the Old Testament and New Testament are mind boggling. And it is clear how each individual plays a role not only in the life and times of the people, but in the overall picture of salvation history. It is a lot to take in, but well worth the effort.
I Found God today in the people of the Bible.
Today I felt blessed to be able to take a few minutes during the day to spend with God – in prayer, in meditation, at Mass, and in the Bible. There were times when anxiety tried to creep into my mind, but these moments of spiritual rest helped me to stay at peace.
I Found God today in His presence.
Tonight my parents and I watched the movie, “Hugo” based on the book by Brian Selznick. I had never heard of it before, but came across it on TV and it sounded interesting. The main character is a boy who learned the art of working on clocks from his father. He had a talent for being able to fix things. At one point, he makes a profound statement that struck all of us.
“I like to imagine that the world is one big machine. You know, machines never have any extra parts. They have the exact number and type of parts they need. So I figure if the entire world is a big machine, I have to be here for some reason. And that means you have to be here for some reason, too.”
I thought it was a beautiful analogy of life.
I Found God today with a reminder that everyone is here alive today for a reason.
Amazingly, there was nothing on the calendar for today, so my mom decided she wanted to go shopping. She has been wanting to get some new sunglasses for quite some time now. As I thought about a place that would sell a decent product for less than the specialty store, I remembered I had seen some at Bass Pro Shop. So, my mom and I headed there this morning. Bass Pro is a store for everything outdoors and it is definitely not for those who frown upon hunting. We walked through the giant doors and were welcomed by a giant fireplace with giant sofas and chairs in front. We were greeted by mounted wildlife of all kinds. My mom’s most frequent comment was, “This is a different place.” We found the sunglasses and made our way over. She tried on a couple of pairs and quickly found one that was perfect and had everything she was looking for. Before we left, we went to the back of the store to watch the fish in the giant fish tank. As we checked out, the young man who helped us was at least 7 feet tall. He fit right in with all the giant things in the store. In all, my mom had a “different” experience and got some needed sunglasses that she’s super happy with. I was glad I thought of it.
I Found God today in taking my mom on a different experience.
In my water aerobics class this morning, we talked about our earliest memory of celestial events. I remember when the first astronauts landed on the moon. That night, I looked up at the moon and thought, “There are people there!” It was an awesome realization. I told my parents about the conversation and my mom told me about one of her earliest memories. When she was young, she looked out the window before bed and saw the stars, but one star was different. It looked like a cross shining in the night sky. She felt that God put it there just for her. So, she prayed for a long time for a little girl. When she was finished, she looked again and the cross was gone. She remembers the image clearly and has never seen anything like it since. I think she’s right – God did put it there just for her. I don’t know what she prayed about, but it must have been important.
I Found God today in a star He gave just to my mom.
Still Finding God 