As I reflect upon the past two years I have become more aware of the challenges and the invitations we are receiving. As a person who believes in God and the power of prayer, I think it is important to utilize the resource that is often not discussed. This resource maybe shut down because it isn't fashionable, or there isn't space for it in our busy lives or it simply is seen as not the in thing. We have entered a new way of being, many changes have occurred. Certainly the pandemic has affected our lives and challenged our way of thinking, living and problem solving. In some ways it has challenged us to examine who we are, what we want, what we believe in and the core of our faith or spiritual belief system. There may be moments when we may feel lost and as if hope is fading away. I prefer to look at these challenges as opportunities to strengthen what we believe in and as an invitation to get closer to our faith, and Healer. We can get lost in just examining how you want to plan for the coming months ahead of us and of our loved ones. Often families begin to look at new happenings as a bit of excitement and a bit of a challenge. Weddings, births, promotions, new jobs, new educational ventures, retirement, and travel can be stressful while at the same time aiming for it to be pleasurable. The pandemic has caused some to catch up on things that had been neglected, cleaning homes, gardening, or repairing broken objects, finishing tasks, starting an exercise program, losing weight, or buffing up at home. Some people have had to learn more about technology in order to stay in contact with friends, family and colleagues. We can get swallowed up with the self-imposed or imposed by others' expectations, frustrations, celebrations, restless moments that have a direct impact on how you feel. No matter what the hopes are or have been one thing that sometimes has been forgotten or set aside is prayer.
My hope for all of us is that, we take time not only to pause, and to reflect before you react but to allow what has carried us to also be present in our daily lives. Take a deep breath exhale, take a walk in prayer. Take time out to simply enjoy a moment of rest, peace, and quiet. Take a moment to laugh, dance, and share a story. Take time to have a conversation with someone you care about. Take a moment to listen to the calling of peace. If you need a break from all the plans you have made don't be afraid to ask for help and rethink whether you have overextended yourself. Remember it's alright to modify your plans. It's alright to limit the information coming at you from the media, news, and well-intended friends. It is alright to say No to things that create stress or have the potential to create stress in you. It is alright to PRAY.
Mother Teresa wrote this poem
LIFE
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is costly, care for it.
Life is wealth, keep it.
Life is love, enjoy it.
Life is a mystery, know it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.
"The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as a deed. The deed develops into a habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings." BUDDHA (C.5673-c. 483C )
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
