Giving thanks

“In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Bible verse seems extremely appropriate today, but at Mass this morning, we were challenged to pay attention to the second word:  all. In all circumstances, not just the ones we like or the times we are happy or when we feel moved to do so.  Even (and perhaps especially) when we’re frustrated, hurting, angry, sad and just don’t want to!  

God is all-powerful and all-good, meaning that nothing that happened in our lives is beyond God’s control. However, because God is all-knowing, He may permit something hard or painful or tragic in our lives that He can ultimately work for our eternal good. Because as a good father, He desires our well-being and ultimate happiness, which is only found with Him for eternity.

The challenge (or opportunity) today, and every day, is to give thanks at ALL times; the good, the bad, the ugly, the joyful, the ordinary. Always.

Behavior Modification

A snapshot into my life right now would reveal that I am doing the following (among other things):

• Learning Spanish
• Attending Financial Peace University
• Reading Perfectly Yourself 
• Studying Resisting Happiness in a small group
• Singing with 20 ladies
• Working a second job
• Keeping a holy hour at church

These activities are different and varied, but they all have 2 things in common.  They take time, and they require a change in my behavior.  Behavior modification.  That sounds painful, doesn't it?  When I hear those words, I picture an iron gate clanging shut, as if I were locked up or imprisoned.  It can evoke images of difficulty or rigidity. But if I want to participate in and succeed at these activities, I must embrace (or at least work on) behavior modification.  For instance:

• I must do my homework, rather than watch TV.
• I need to create and follow a budget, rather than wonder where my money goes.
• I have to make time to read the books that will make me a better person and help me achieve my goal of Heaven.  This also means taking time to reflect and be silent.
• I have to commit to practicing and being present at rehearsals and performances.
• I will be consistent in responding to the duties of my job, instead of waiting until the last minute and hoping things get done.
• I desire to improve my prayer life and act counter-culturally, spending time in prayer and listening to God.  

All of these actions take time and require me to do more (sometimes much more) than the minimum.  I admit, it's a lot easier to come home, plop in front of the TV (or Amazon Prime, in my case), and browse the internet or waste time on electronic devices while mindlessly snacking.  An occasional 'veg-out' time is acceptable, but a regular routine such as this leads to dissatisfaction, apathy and stagnation.   

A New Normal - A New Lent

Three days before Ash Wednesday 2017, there was a change that happened. It came without fanfare, without pomp and circumstance.  It would forever impact my life, my family, and my heart, but it was disguised as ordinary life.  On that day, February 26, 2017, Mom was admitted to the hospital, never to return home.  While this moment was unexpected and alarming, I did not anticipate the path we were on, and where it would lead.  Life became Lent, and Lent became my life, although I wouldn't truly recognize this until much later.    

A New Normal - A New Year

2017 began like any other year.  I expected good things.  Dad would turn 90 in January, Mom would turn 85 in June, and they would celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in October.  A year to remember!

There was no herald, announcing that this year would be difficult and painful. 

There was no fanfare, suggesting there would be a final family gathering.

In reality, it was just another year.  In reality, it was . . .  life.

January 8, 2017, we celebrated Dad's 90th birthday.  Friends and family gathered together.  It was the party he requested, with plenty of food and lots of smiles and laughter.  We did group pictures, sibling pictures and more.  

There was love and laughter.

There was happiness and smiles.

I'm happy to say that had we known then, what was coming, I don't think much would have changed. 

A New Normal - one day at a time

Today is Mom's birthday.  She would have been 85.  I'm not sure whether this day will be a day of sadness or a day of grace.  Probably both.  Part of me wants to celebrate her life, and the other part wants June 26 to start immediately.  I guess I'm a little gun-shy after the experience of Mother's Day.


Mother's Day.


Who knew such a beautiful holiday could magnify my grief?

Thankful Thursday - A New Normal

One month,

Thirty days,

Seven hundred twenty hours,

Four hundred thirty-two thousand minutes,

Two million, five hundred ninety-two thousand seconds,

Since life entered a new normal.

But who's counting?

The eternal now

Have you ever considered the possibility that we are living in eternity?  I don't mean that we will live forever on Earth, no matter how good medical advancements are.  One time, in bible study, we talked about living our eternity NOW.  That is, if we desire Heaven, we should/would/could live as though we are in Heaven.  Not the "I-can-abdicate-all-my-responsibilities" lifestyle, but the choice to live as a conscious Catholic Christian, treating others with love and mercy.