Overwhelmed by God’s Love

This morning when I awoke I was overwhelmed- not by stress or concerns, but by praise. Praise to my loving father who had given me a beautiful sunlit window. Praise for the first full night’s sleep in weeks, and the fact that there was nowhere else I had to be. Praise for my hubby who restfully slept beside me.

Loving Father, you knew I what I needed and gave me respite , body and soul. 

The last few days have been well..difficult. Coupled with a need for sound sleep and a break from the next crisis to erupt, I had been burning my candle at both ends. Good news had seemed in short supply and coffee was no longer even having an effect. It’s amazing what you can overlook or not fully appreciate when sleep is needed!

Walking downstairs I was met by my sweet pup, Gretl who had been taken outside by my 15 year old who had also prepared breakfast for he and his brother. Looking up, he smiled and added he had also been studying! A bit surprised I wondered..Ok, whose house am I in again? 😉
 

Lord Jesus, you remind us to give all of our cares and worries to you- to bring our troubles and lay them all down. Though waves may crash around us, you are always there for we are safe in your arms! I don’t need to know what’s next for whatever tomorrow brings, Lord I know to trust in you. 

So, as I look back on my yesterday I give you praise for all those moments for what they truly are, gifts from you. For all those times you broke through my day and sought to reach me, hold and uplift me.

1. Daily Mass// Deep in prayer, I felt so close to Jesus that it was almost a visceral hug.There was a warmth from his presence, and I longed to stay longer. After mass there was the added embrace of my faith friends, those who pray with me and even at times unknowing of the circumstance.

2. Lunch// Food is such a comfort for me when I am in need of sleep and feel the demands of life. Treated to lunch by a close  friend, I could not believe how delicious and filling it was! Exactly what was missing. So too was the conversation with her -highlighting the need once again for these deep friendships in our lives.

3. Final meeting for Field Education// Since July I have been steadily working with my supervisor Allison Gingras on my pastoral field education work. This has involved assisting with women’s retreats, creation of ongoing dialogue within a faith blog, and numerous social media sharing projects. There is tremendous importance of being attentive to the needs of those attending retreats and prayerfully being present for those celebrating reconciliation. Allison works with passion, humility, and humor and has shared so generously of her time and years of expertise.

Creatively and practically there is so much that I have learned in developing, promoting and maintaining these types of faith projects. Positively, I am far more comfortable about entering into new areas and projects. Given a time sensitive deadlines, I recognize that I am still able to prayerfully discern but readily move in carrying out a project. There is also great self awareness here too, because I can clearly see my gift for organization as a strength. Likewise, I recognize the need to balance this with creative inspiration and pastoral sensitivity. These are, in my opinion, all desirable in creating and seeing a project fruitfully to completion.

Within this field education work, I have felt continually appreciated and validated in the work that I do. How often can we truly say this? That is the sign of a great mentor, and as I have come to discover too of a great friend. As I look towards the future, I can clearly see so many wondrous opportunities between us that God can use to grow and nurture the faith of others. Thank you Allison, for answering the call to lead, and for being exactly what I have needed -knowing how to guide, challenge and recognize the gifts I have to bring.

What a beautiful reminder of your infinite love Father! We need not rely on our own steam, or sense of direction. For, If attentive you will lead us by those you have placed in our lives, strengthen us through friendships, and always hold us in the palm of your hand!

Peace,