Giving

Pay it forward, dear friend...and reap the countless rewards!

http://www.dailygood.org/story/439/miserable-and-magical-a-graduation-speech-for-paradoxical-times-nipun-mehta/

Aching

Mother Teresa is reported to have said that suffering is permitted by God for our good and the good of all humanity.  So, I accept it, and I will look for ways to help others today.

Take a look around you.  If there is someone nearby, chances are good that he/she is also suffering in some way.  Your sufferings may be smaller or larger than his/hers, but they give you a common bond.  Don't go it alone.  Find a way to bear it together.  Shy. (like me)?  Even offering a smile may brighten their day.  We'll do this together, dear reader.  You're not alone.

Building

Despite thunderstorms, I plan to go out late this morning and help build community by supporting Global MS Day at my neighborhood frozen yogurt shop.

How can you help build your community?

Poem

(hardly worth the title...)

While postponing writing my blog,
I found within me an invincible frog.
But I'll never write anything as good as "The Road Not Taken"
Unless I keep embracing Jesus Forsaken.

In Debt!

I'm indebtted to hundreds of people:  my parents, my extended family, my friends, my teachers, my husband, and even my son.  Why my son?  Because without him, I would have missed so many joys.  But, I'm also in debt to perfect strangers.  Whether I encountered them in person or by phone, letter, or e-mail, God was in each of them.  They presented me with an opportunity to give my best and, more importantly, to love as I have been loved.

I don't want to know how many times I failed them!  Now that I'm more mindful, I can only hope that my successes can someday outweight those failures.  And those people who failed to see God in me?  I humbly and sincerely forgive them.  Lord, please forgive me my debts, as I forgive my debtors.

Dear reader, consider trying to see the people in your life with new eyes.  See each one as a unique and precious gift, as God in a very clever disguise.  Then, do your best to love them.  Even if all you have to give someone is a smile, give it with love.  I'm doing so with you...

Facing the Dragon

Yesterday's scripture readings were perfect, especially the Old Testament.  I saw them rather late in the day, but they encouraged me, and I'm rereading them today.  Sirach (2:1-11) cautions anyone who comes to serve the Lord to "prepare yourself for trials."  It goes on, giving sound advice about withstanding them--being steadfast and patient, trusting in God and His mercy.  

The psalmist says, "Commit your life to the Lord and He will help you."  It takes perseverence, a lot of prayer, and the support of family and friends, but dragons can be defeated.  But, there's more:  "Take delight in the Lord, and he will grant you your heart's requests."   I have to admit that, since my conversion, God has given me more than I ever dreamed possible.  My writing career is a little different than I imagined; still it gives me so much joy.

Last, in the Gospel, Jesus says that whoever would be the greatest must be the servant of all.  It's so very difficult to set aside our own agenda, our egos and desires.  But, each time we fail, we can start again.  Smack that dragon!  Show God our commitment to serve Him and each other by beginning anew.  Wherever you are, dear reader, if you're striving, know that I am too.  We can do it together.

Gift

Love is an unselfish gift.  Think about it.  Is Love that asks for anything in return really love?  Does Love expect a return?  It may invite, but in a whisper.  We must be still, silence our egos, our racing brains and our hectic schedules to hear it.  Let's keep our eyes, ears and hearts open today in order to experience all the ways in which Love gives to us and invites us.

Also praying for everyone in Oklahoma, and looking for concrete ways to help.  Have a blessed day, dear reader.