We made a trip to the cabin today. The last group of people who were here included my nephew who is in the Navy. I went to put some things away in the loft bedroom, and found the he had folded all the bedding and displayed it just so. It made me smile. I thought of him and said a prayer for his safety.
I Found God today seeing a heart warming surprise.
My mom had an appointment with the cardiologist today. We really wanted to see her regular doctor, but were not able to. Instead we saw the PA. The young woman who walked into the room looked like a teenager. It was all I could do to stop myself from asking how old she was. Perhaps I am getting old now to even make a comment like that. In any case, she was thoughtful, attentive, knowledgeable, honest, and empathetic. She helped to make a care plan that we felt comfortable with. I kind of felt bad making such a snap judgment call. She took care of everything that we could have hoped for.
I Found God today in a knowledgeable young physician.
Last year, we had a couple of finches build a nest near the front door using the light and ledge as braces. We were very entertained as we kept a close eye on the eggs and eventually the baby birds as they fledged. Earlier this summer, two finches returned and tried for a couple of days to build a nest in the same spot. Each time we went outside we found sticks, twigs, and grasses all over the porch floor – but no nest. They just couldn’t get it. My dad found a large stick and place it up between the light and the ledge to “help”. I thought that was so kind. I figured they would either use it and make it work, or leave in fright. We didn’t see them again. A couple of days ago, a finch couple returned. They were busily bringing materials back and forth, leaving much of it on the ground. But they were using the large stick and it was looking a little more promising. I went out this morning, and sure enough, there was a little cup nest built. It looked sturdy and strong. We have enjoyed watching the little birds fly in and out and are excited to watch another potential family grow in the new nest.
I Found God today enjoying the birds and seeing how my dad’s kind idea did seem to help them.
My mom and I watched some of “America’s Got Talent” tonight. There was an amazing story that a father of 6 told before he sang to the audience. When his wife gave birth to their daughter, the 2 of them almost died. The man prayed all night and was of course grateful that his family made it through the night after being told they may not. The risk was elevated for any additional pregnancies, so the couple decided not to have any more children. The man who is a pediatric nurse, said that when their daughter reached about 7 years old, she started having a recurring dream that included 3 little boys. After a couple of years, the young girl convinced her mom and dad to adopt. The first call they received was for 3 little boys. Since then, they adopted 2 other boys. I was bawling before the young dad even sang a note. There is more to the story and you can watch the whole video clip here. It was a beautiful story of faith, love, generosity, and self-sacrifice.
I Found God today in a moving story of faith and self giving.
A friend stopped by this afternoon. Among other things, we talked about how God prepares your heart for things coming up – if you really listen. People talk about having “premonitions”. My friend and I have had those feelings before. I think that God puts things in our hearts and in our thoughts. As we ponder them, it actually helps us to prepare for what is going to happen. But we must pay attention and not dismiss them. I think it’s God’s way of being gentle and merciful.
I Found God today realizing how merciful He is.
I read Bishop Robert Barron’s meditation on the scripture Matthew 9:9-13 and it really hit my heart. This is what it said in part:
” . . . I urge you to read it and meditate upon it this week, for it’s about you. The Bible says that Jesus told Matthew, “Follow me.” The call of Jesus is meant to get into your mind, and then past your mind into your body, and then through your body into your life, into your most practical decisions. And then we hear that Matthew “got up and followed him.” The verb used here in the Greek is the same verb used to describe the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead: Matthew rose. . . Then we hear what happened after Matthew’s conversion: “And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples.” This deeply annoys the Pharisees, who ask of Jesus’ disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” The answer is that Jesus loves sinners, and he doesn’t require perfection before he approaches them.”
The words, “It’s about you” hooked me and I could more readily identify with Matthew. This is such good news to me. I know I am not perfect and never will be. I think the best that Christianity has to offer is for us to acknowledge our imperfection, and realize that Christ – God – loves us and wants to be with us anyways.
I Found God today in His words of love and truth.
My mom and I watched a program tonight about little kids who do amazing things. There was a little boy who read science books and learned all about space. My mom said that was just like my older brother. He also used to read science books at just 6 years old. One day he came running to my mom saying, “I know how “hummans collect”! Evidently he had been reading the book on the reproductive system, including the growth of a baby in the womb. He was so excited to learn how the human race repopulated. I love how my mom remembers these funny stories from so many years ago.
I Found God today in my mom’s memory of long ago.
We didn’t go out to see any fireworks in the city tonight. Instead, we watched the show on TV from the capital in Washington DC. I loved the ending when the orchestra played, the fireworks were shooting, and the cannons were booming. When we were done watching, we still heard booming. There was a big storm happening outside. As I write, the storm continues with lightning and loud thunder. It is nature’s own ominous fireworks display.
I Found God today in awe of a storm.
As I was going through my morning prayers and readings, I found that today the church honors St. Thomas the Apostle. I told my parents about it at breakfast figuring my dad would take special interest as he shares the name. My dad told me that when he was in elementary school, he chose St. Thomas Aquinas to be his patron saint. He didn’t want to be a “doubter”, he wanted to be smart like the doctor of the church. I think he chose right, and I think St. Thomas Aquinas has been particularly generous with him.
I Found God today seeing how a patron saint has made a difference in my dad’s life.
I went to my water aerobics class this morning after being absent for almost 2 weeks. When I got there, I found out it was “Mile Monday”. The goal was to try to swim a mile in the hour class time. The instructor set me up with some tokens and a cup to keep track of each lap. I asked how long it would usually take. She said a good swimmer could do a mile in 45-60 minutes. Sounded like a challenge to me. After a couple of laps, it became clear to me that I am not a good swimmer. I thought about when I was on the swim team back in jr. high school. It was with the private pool in the neighborhood and not a team that you had to try out for. I joined because a friend of mine was on it and encouraged me. My juvenile rheumatoid arthritis was still active at that time. Even though I wasn’t strong, or fast, or a good swimmer, I went to the 2-hour practices every day. The coaches and team members were very patient, kind, and understanding with me. Everyone had to participate in the swim meets, so they put me in the long races, with many laps. I wasn’t fast, but I have always had pretty good endurance. I just keep going. That was such a good experience and solidified my love for the water. Today, I dropped my expectations to half a mile. I actually did a few laps more and was happy with my accomplishment.
I Found God today remembering a time that I really enjoyed as a kid with kind people.
Still Finding God 