This is what we woke up here with today on the long weekend in May in Manitoba. Life can take some unexpected turns sometimes.  What do we do when that happens? Do we gripe and complain? Throw on our sandals and go outside anyways? Marvel at how pretty those tulips look with a dusting of snow? Sigh deeply and accept that we choose to live here?

In the missal, at the end of the readings today was a quote from St. Francis of Assisi: Where there is rest and meditation, there is neither anxiety or restlessness. That’s a timely quote for me if I ever heard one. We can get anxious about things out of our control such as snow in May or awaiting a health verdict or we can breathe deeply, offer it to God, and allow a serenity to fill us.

Today I am feeling well, though still tired. The weariness will remain for a few more weeks I am sure. I am able to bend more, to sit up for longer periods of time, to breathe deeply without discomfort, and to prepare quick meals. I have set my eyes on returning home later this week although it has been a blessing to be here with friends.

Gratitude is pervasive. Once my energy returns more I will write more in depth about my experience but for now I am keeping my posts short. I am going to practic the words of St. Francis and take a bit of a nap for now. To the residents of Manitoba who were planning on planting gardens, barbecuing, or hiking: Happy snow day! May you find something spectacular to do with a curveball that you are tossed today.

Peace,

Suzanne