Today I heard a beautiful story about Pope Francis visiting women who were under the slavery of prostitution and now live in a safe house. He is an incredibly loving, humble, prayerful man who is such a model of how we are to treat others. I encourage you to read the story and see the touching video HERE:
I Found God today in Pope Francis’ example of love and mercy.
This morning my dad and I were about to get in the car to head to the hospital when we noticed some people walking in the driveway. It was the man who helped my dad when he fell last summer. He was walking with his wife and their grandchildren. He asked my dad how he was doing and my dad thanked him again for his help. Then he asked about my mom. We told him of her struggles and the most recent low sodium issue. We talked about what a delicate balance our bodies maintain. It is nothing less than a miracle that our body does what it needs for us to survive most of the time without us even thinking about it. I know that I often take for granted this fragile life and am trying to be more conscious about how I live each day.
I Found God today in a reminder of the amazing gift of life.
I got home from my trip about dinner time last night. One of my sisters picked me up from the airport and we both went to the hospital where my mom has been since Wednesday. She has felt bad, then good, then bad for the past week or so. I was in constant communication with my sister who was staying with my parents while I was away. It was good to see my mom, dad, and sister in person. It was immediately evident that my mom was struggling and weak. But she was getting in and out of the bed and eating a little bit so I was somewhat encouraged. Her sodium level had dropped drastically, so it threw everything off. This had happened a couple of times in the past few weeks, so the medical people were running several tests to determine the cause. Later that night, my sister, dad and I made our way home. It was good to sleep in my own bed, even though I was very confused as to what time zone I was in. This morning my sister and I went to the hospital early to see if we could meet with the doctor. Unfortunately, we were not there early enough, as she saw my mom at 5:30 in the morning. Crazy. In any case, we stopped and talked with the nurse who went right to the notes and explained an awful lot. The majority of the tests came out fine, though she does have some heart issues. They are introducing a new medication to help with the fluid and sodium balance. We were grateful for her time and explanation. My mom was feeling better today and we all hope this medication will have a positive effect. As I thought about my time away, I was first of all extremely grateful for my sister who stayed with my parents while I was gone. The timing of my mom’s problems were such that I was actually able to spend the time away and mostly enjoy it, even though I was still concerned about her. My sister tagged me back in this afternoon as she made her way home. I am sure she will get some good sleep tonight.
I Found God today in a patient, caring sister who took care of my parents while I enjoyed a break.
My son, his girlfriend, and I had one full day to spend together yesterday. It was a very hot day, so we found a museum to go to. This was a toy museum. Evidently my son had wanted to visit the place sometime and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I wondered how much there would be for college age and above to do there but it sounded like fun. At the entrance, we visited the garden area before the heat was unbearable. It was full of beautiful flowers large and small, fruit trees, and vegetables. There were games to play throughout – hopscotch, ring toss, musical chimes, and a place to make a fairy house. Once inside the museum, we headed upstairs as there were fewer people going that direction. We rounded the corner and came upon a huge version of Nintendo Mario. It was big enough that there was a bench behind the controller. One person could control the direction and one could control the jumps as Mario was led through his world on the giant screen. I was surprised how much I remembered from when I played the game a very long time ago. That was only the beginning. There were displays of different types of toys and gaming showing their history. All throughout the museum there were toys and games to play with as well. We played assorted video games, puzzles, Jenga, light-up Connect 4, checkers, giant Battleship and Chess just to name a few. There was even a butterfly garden. About half way through our day we spotted my son’s roommate and joined them for more fun. We literally played all day long. I have had such a wonderful couple of weeks with friends and family. It was the perfect way to conclude the time.
I Found God today in the joy of playing.
Yesterday I said good-bye to and hugged my grandchildren, my son, and his wife and drove half the day to have a short visit with my other son before I head back home. After driving for a few hours in the rain, I was glad to see a break in the weather. I settled in for the rest of the drive and turned on the sirius xm radio. It was on the Contemporary Christian music station that I had been listening to during the week. The station seemed to be playing the same music over and over again and I quickly got bored. There was a commercial on for the Olympic channel, so I listened to that for a while. Then that started to repeat as well since there wasn’t anything on live at the time. At my next stop I searched a little and found a Catholic channel. Perfect. I could listen to some prayers or programs and keep my mind occupied for a few hours. A program came on that highlighted different positive stories and had quick interviews with different people. There was a man who volunteers at his local food pantry not by organizing, sorting, or stocking; but by telling jokes to the people as they wait in line. He said it certainly isn’t something people are expecting. Typically when people go looking for help, they set their pride aside and can feel like they are “less” than those around them. By making them laugh, the man helps to give them dignity and show them that they matter as much as anyone else. The host stressed that the man is using the gifts he has even though it looks different than one might expect. The next interview was with a woman who wrote a book about how to find your happiness. She talked about how what makes one person happy doesn’t necessarily make another happy. Makes sense as we are all different types of people. The host then quoted an older woman she knows who said that we need to make sure to move forward with God’s plan for us in the different seasons of our life. For example, God has a plan for us as a single person which is different for us as a married person, and then again different as an older person. That made sense too. I am always telling people that I have lived 4-5 different lives and thought I was crazy for that. I was happy that I found this station with such uplifting words to listen to. I was super excited when I made it safe to my destination and able to hug my son again.
I Found God today listening to uplifting words, having a safe trip, and hugging loved ones.
As I drove from the wedding to the reception the other day, a young woman who I hadn’t seen for a couple of years rode with me. She couldn’t wait to get into the car and give me the update on all that had happened. As I saw her grow, somewhere along the way she was literally invited into a very close relationship with God. When I would see her at Mass, it was evident that she was in a deep state of prayer and joy. I enjoyed listening as she excitedly caught me up to date on the ride. She met a boy who was interested in her and she was interested in him. He spied her singing at Mass from his place on the altar as he was an altar server. Their first date was going to Mass together. As they saw each other more, they would pray the rosary together. She has a deep love for the Eucharist and learning about the saints. As a senior in high school, the profound theological ideas she discussed and analogies she made were far beyond her years. What’s more, she recognized the gift she has been given to have such an amazing faith. At the same time, she has a love for life and for fun and told me about her last minute decision to attend her school prom. I was so blessed that she shared her personal and spiritual life with me.
I Found God today in a young woman with an incredible spiritual relationship.
Yesterday I went to one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to. I have known the bride for about 15 years and felt so blessed when she asked if I would be her Confirmation sponsor 7 years ago. She and her husband attended a Catholic college and are very faithful as are their families. As a surprise, the bride’s father made the kneelers that the couple used and placed a note on each one for them to find at the beginning of Mass. The priest from the college came to celebrate the Mass and the Marriage. Since he knew the couple, he was able to speak about them personally. He encouraged them to be an example of a loving, faithful, committed marriage in a world that desperately needs such a model. He also strongly suggested that they have many children to carry on that love and faith. Also in attendance was a very large group of young adults who were friends of the bride and groom from the college. At one point, the bride and groom made their way over to the statue of Mary and placed a bouquet of flowers at her feet. The music group led a song that was used by the school while the large group joined in. It was wonderful that just about everyone in the church sang, prayed, and responded together. There was a true sense of community. When the words came, ” . . .What God has joined together . . .” you knew that God was truly there. Near the end of the ceremony, everyone extended their hands and prayed a blessing over the newly wed couple. When I talked with the groom later about the beautiful ceremony, he said that they were very intentional about what they chose and why – from the scripture readings of committed, loving relationships to the touching music. It was such a meaningful way to begin their life together. I think it did what marriage celebrations should do, which is to draw everyone there into the reality of something greater than themselves.
I Found God today in a beautiful marriage celebration.
Last week I offered to treat my daughter-in-law and whoever else she wanted to invite to have a spa day of her choice for her early birthday present. Today was the day. She, her best friend (whose birthday is on the same day as hers), and I all went to have a mani-pedi. I had never had a manicure or a pedicure before. Partly because I am very self conscious of my what I consider to be terribly deformed feet and hands due to having arthritis at a young age. We were greeted enthusiastically when we arrived and were shown where to sit after we picked out what color polish we wanted. We started with the pedicure. I sat in the oversized massage chair as my feet were soaked, buffed, and rubbed; toenails trimmed and painted; and legs exfoliated and massaged. It was amazing to say the least. I was half asleep just feeling the chair massage my back. Then it was on to the manicure. My nails grow pretty good naturally and I can paint them on my own, so I decided to have them painted as a french manicure which is a little more difficult. As soon as the young woman started, she realized that my fingers wouldn’t straighten very far and made every concession to ensure I was comfortable. After the nails were dry, she lotioned and massaged my hands and arms. Then I opted for a paraffin wax treatment. I actually had this done for a few years when I was young as part of physical therapy. I dipped my hands into the melted wax a couple of times to make a glove of sorts. After they cooled, the young woman peeled them off and gave my hands another quick rub down. I don’t think I have ever pampered myself so much. And to spend the time with my daughter-in-law and her friend made it that much more enjoyable.
I Found God today by allowing myself to be treated with a little tender loving care.
Today I visited with the people I used to work with at a parish. First I went to Mass and heard the priest I know speak and I was so happy that he sang. I enjoyed seeing several people I know who also went to Mass. We went to lunch and got caught up on the latest happenings. One of the churches in the parish was recently sold to a company who is making condominiums from the structure. When I was at Mass, I noticed many of the items from the closed church had found a new home there. At lunch, my friend explained how the stained glass windows were being removed and packed up to be sold to other churches. I thought of one of my favorite windows of St. Bernadette. I couldn’t imagine these beautiful works of art being taken out. After lunch, we went over to the church and I could see for myself how some items were already gone and how others were being packed away. The workers were obviously using extreme care with the pieces. I have such wonderful memories of events that happened in the church – from feeling peaceful praying alone to teaching groups of youth about faith and celebrating first Holy Communions with dozens of families. It was a bittersweet visit. Another friend told me about someone who approached her at the local “Market Days” where the parish had a booth. The woman said that she was one of those who have already purchased one of the condominiums. She wanted my friend to know how she was looking forward to being in the home and how much she respected the space. While it was difficult to see the inside of the church being taken apart, it was evident that those who are involved in the whole project are doing so with care and respect. I have to believe that while the place will not be used again for celebrating Mass, God is still present.
I Found God today realizing the beauty of a church and being able to visit with friends.
I am so grateful that my sister is staying with my parents while I take a little trip. But I was not happy to hear that my mom had severe pains in her side and midsection beginning the day I left. She was hospitalized while they ran tests to see if they could determine the cause. Needless to say, she has been on my mind. I am staying with my son and family. I woke up this morning completely alone as it was work day for mom and dad and the kids went to their Nana’s house. I made myself some breakfast and sat on the deck to eat. It was so peaceful with the birds flitting about and a gentle breeze blowing the leaves. I sat down and literally exhaled. I probably stayed out there for an hour enjoying the air and praying. Later this afternoon I found that my mother had a UTI that was being treated with antibiotics and the doctors could find no other serious problem. She was released from the hospital. Tonight my sister said that she was feeling much better.
I Found God today enjoying some alone time and being able to relax a little more knowing that my mom is feeling better.
