God in all things

Some things last the trials of time. They stand despite having slings and arrows thrown at them. I was privileged to witness the return of a friend for the Thanksgiving weekend greet her friends who miss her. I had arrived at the dinner party first and watched as one by one they hugged her and told her how wonderful she looked and how awesome it was to have her back in town.

This Thanksgiving will you remember and allow gratitude to fill your heart? What is it that you can give thanks for this weekend? Will you gather with family or friends and share a hot meal? That’s more than many will be able to do. Will you bow your head in a safe sanctuary without fear of persecution or reprisal? Not everyone can experience that. Will you spend three days at leisure, soaking in at least one extra day of rest? Again some will not be able to afford to do that–literally.

The things that stand the tests of time can be precious. In this great country of Canada that I call home, I have many reasons to give thanks. May I always be cognizant that I have received much.

Where do you find yourself at this Thanksgiving?

Peace,

Suzanne

Some days, I wonder whether I bear good fruit or bad. I pray that the good outweighs the bad. I use a handy little tool in Ignatian Spirituality to help monitor my actions–the Examen. Each night, I review my day, giving some thought as to where I got distracted and left the good path, and when I encountered Jesus or was Compassion to someone. I pray for forgiveness and that I may be better the next day–quicker to recognize my sin and to step away from it. I give thanks for the Christ moments and pray to be more like Him. It is a never-ending process but I am grateful for the introspection and for what I learn about myself and the world.

What kind of fruit did you bear today?

Peace,

Suzanne

I had one of my grandmother’s rosaries for a long while before I actually used it. Today is Our Lady of the Rosary and I have not prayed it today but I have thought about it. For many years the rosary meant nothing to me–I found it senseless and preferred prayers that were not a frozen register. That is until I learned Ignatian contemplation. Suddenly the Mysteries came alive to me.

During the Exercises, I grew closer to Mary during Colloquies, moved by her beautiful fidelity to the bitter end. I do pray the rosary from time to time, loving especially the Mysteries of Light. I am amazed at how when one is open many graces can pour in.

Today, I have been sick again, and am on another round of antibiotics. The kind pharmacist who pulled up my information was compassionate when she saw I had already finished one. I was grateful for her empathy and warmth. Later in the day, resting and frustrated with the current state of affairs, I found myself thinking, “Pray for us, now and at the hour or our death”. Pray for me, Mary. As I drag my weary, aching body back to bed now, I imagine laying my head upon Mary and asking her to place her hands upon me and clear up this infection once and for all. Pray for me….and I will pray for you.

Peace,

Suzanne

I have been silent for a few days but hopefully I will get back on track now. I have missed some amazing saint feast days. Today for example is Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. I have missed the Feast of the Angels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael which was the anniversary of my sister’s memorial service.

These days are ones that call for reflection upon the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us. We are part of a bigger community, both seen and unseen. This weekend I visited my cousin in Vancouver and always marvel at how connected my spirit is to hers. Our sharing is deep and instant. It had been several years since I had sat face to face with her but there was no hesitation or awkwardness. The same is true when we joined a mutual friend just before I left. I think that is how the saints are with God–there is no hesitation, only wonderful expectations of the joy that awaits and wonderment at all the blessings that unfold.

Therese valued the little way of being faithful in small things. I value my friendships with the people I have spent time with recently because of all the little things that have solidified our relationship. Therese was faithful to her relationships too, especially the one with God. What little things are you grateful for in your relationships?

Peace,

Suzanne