God in all things

Sometimes blessings come in small ways such as breaking bread with good friends, dressed down, and comfortable. Tonight I got together with long time, faithful friends and caught up on life before I leave on vacation. This couple treats me well and are solid people. There are no airs or presumptions. I don’t have to worry about what they will think if I am tired or quiet. I can quietly perch on their chair and know that I am welcome.

Do you have friends who let you fly into their lives without a care?

Peace,

Suzanne

Today’s gospel reminded me of a previous visit to Taize which saw me read it aloud to a small group of us in silence for our morning prayer time. Come to me all you who are wearied….Yes, I needed to hear that this morning. The pace has been hectic but really I am just beginning to catch my breath and become excited for my European vacation which begins in about 10 days.

After an initial week of partying, I will head to France to begin a pilgrimage where I hope to find rest for my soul near still waters. I am grateful for this experience and know that it will be a blessing. I am collecting prayer requests from people who have asked me to remember them along the way. It is my pleasure to do this.

In Taize I will pray several times a day. I was moved the other day when I drove past a Muslim worker who was bowing down to kiss the ground as he said his prayers. This is really what I will be doing on my second leg of the journey. Kissing the ground and praying gratefully will be the theme–whether it is in a big city such as Paris in a cathedral or a quiet country church at Taize. I want to immerse myself in stillness and breathe deeply. I want to listen to the voice of the One who journeys with me. Be open, I tell myself, to all that shall unfold.

When was the last time you quieted yourself to hear the Stillness?

Peace,

Suzanne

Hope hangs in the air some days, longing to be embraced. I have been affected by the news story of the missing boy and his grandparents. I do not know them but my heart breaks for them and their family and friends.

In those first hours and days after their disappearance, hope was tangible. The shattered parents on air, pleading for the safe return of their son, speaking directly to him. Did they know then that they knew the man who would be accused of murdering all three?

The news hit us all in the stomach, squashing hope and causing sorrow. Why would anyone do this heinous crime? The man seems to have some mental instability. The story will unfold as the months pass but I wonder what the souls of those who seem to have passed on want to say to their loved ones, taken without a chance to say adieu.

Hanging on to hope is hard. It is much easier to be bitter and cynical. I keep thinking about this family and tonight’s news story about releasing the balloons brought comfort. For every act of violence there is an act of peace that costs more. Violence is easy; peace is the challenge.

What do you choose this moment in your life?

Peace,

Suzanne

I am behind a day on this post but I was quite exhausted last night at the end of a very busy week of a conference held here. On the last day of the workshops, an esteemed colleague of mine gave a session on leaving a legacy. We all have colleagues and mentors who have meant the world to us. She showed us hers and explained why each one was a gem.

In yesterday’s readings, the imagery was about planting and caring for seeds. The rain and the snow water the earth (something we have had plenty of this past year) and then the seeds grow. Psalm 65 paints the images of the earth growing, blessed by its seed and overflowing with richness. Romans 8 reminds us that creation waits with eager longing for the first fruits of the Spirit. The Gospel illustrates the sower and the harvest.

What we plant in life will be reaped. Where we plant kindness, we will reap joy. Where we scatter discord we will not have peace. This past week I have been reflective on all that I have planted throughout my career and what I have gained from those who have gone ahead of me. It really is an ongoing process. Sometimes we plant, sometimes we water, and sometimes we are blessed enough to gather. We do not always see the fruits of our labour but if we are attentive in the preceding steps we can be assured that the seeds will flourish and be a blessing to those who come afterwards.

Peace,

Suzanne

Somewhere along the line this phrase of “making memories” was used by a planning committee member and tonight was used again in addressing the crowd at a party event. Watching people gather to celebrate was interesting. I felt like it was Throwback Thursday. I glanced around the packed room. Up on stage was an interpreter who graduated months before me. He is now a lawyer by day and a musician by night. On the dance floor were mentors who have helped shaped my career. People who had once lived in my city were back home for the week. Hugs lasted forever. It all brought a smile to my face.

I have so many memories of joy because of the career I have chosen. I have great respect for so many people who are here this week. They are amazing humans with hearts of gold. I have been busy thus far but I have snatched moments for new memories with these people, ones filled with laughter and inspiration. How blessed am I that memories are a glistening cloud of wonder and awe?

What memories have been made in your graced history? Take a moment to review your life–perhaps a specific element such as your career or your family life. Give thanks for all that has been given.

Peace,

Suzanne

The pre-conference sessions are done. The wine and cheese was packed tonight. The conference is officially underway and seems to be off to a fabulous start. It’s been 20 years in the making–the last one here was in 1994. We hosted the very first one in 1979. I had just graduated from high school and was just beginning to learn sign language. I was invited to attend a conference for sign language interpreters. Little did I know then that I would be at many of the subsequent conferences.

Dreams are unfolding this week. As I watched the newly graduated interpreters and the first time attendees looking wide-eyed and inspired, I wondered where they would be in 20 years. I watched colleagues hugging each other–long-time friends who met at conferences around our great country and who look forward to these reunions. There are people who will aspire to the national board. Some come looking for job prospects. Others come hoping to learn and put into practice skills and knowledge that will make them better interpreters.

The planning committee is looking a bit peaked but excited nonetheless. Let the learning begin!

I may not be here much this week but one never knows. The posts may just be short and sweet and pictureless if I do get on.

Peace,

Suzanne

Today’s Gospel from Matthew 11 is a blessing. Jesus begins with gratitude: “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth….” He continues with expressing the knowledge of His mission and then gives us this invitation: “Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Now that sounds like something I sure would not want to pass up!

Some days we can feel like a lone tree battling against a storm. The prairies where I live have magnificent storms any time of year. The summer storms have always intrigued me–the flashes of lightning, the claps of thunder, and the intensity of the downpour mesmerize me. However the storms of life have a different effect. They can exhaust me rather than exhilarate me. This morning I am noticing more downed tree limbs and I hope that the struggles I go through allow me to bend rather than break.

Life is not horrible right now, but it is overly busy. I mostly struggle between choosing two goods. Today I met a friend who is in for a national conference and then ran around doing errands. It was a gorgeous day and so I feel as if I missed a chance to sit by a pool and rest. By the time I got home, I needed a nap. This week is going to fly by. There will be many old and new friends to greet and meet and lots to learn. I am excited but I believe I will have to yoke myself to Christ in order to get through this week and all that will be required as one of the planners. I will have to be on every day for seven days. I am tired just thinking about it. I am more of an introvert than most people know.

The image of a tree, rooted in Christ, with quiet waters flowing beside it, while the wind howls around it, storm clouds threatening brings peace. I will find rest for my soul but I must begin by giving thanks for all of it and remembering who I am in the midst of the busy pace.

Peace,

Suzanne

Some days I feel as if I hurry against the silent ticking of a clock that gets louder as the day draws to an end. The end of the school year and the beginning of a busy summer has created weariness for me. I should be in bed asleep right now but somehow this day slipped away from me. Many good things happened and it was quite full and interesting. For that, I am grateful.

The not-yet-done list is longer than I had hoped for but tomorrow is another day. I pray that all will unfold as it should and that after a good night’s sleep I can awaken refreshed and energetic enough to carry on with that list and complete most of it.

How do you deal with things that get held over until tomorrow?

Peace,

Suzanne

Last night friends and I carried on our annual tradition of watching the spectacular fireworks display to celebrate this fine country’s birthday. This made me wonder why some people love to celebrate events and others do not.

I have a friend who will be celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary and is planning an amazing party. Other people want to crawl under a rock and hide for big birthdays. I am not judging but I do wonder what makes this difference.

I am a fireworks kind of person with some celebrations. For me it has to do with giving thanks and being grateful for all that has been. At the very least it is a way of marking a milestone.

How do you celebrate life’s big moments?

Peace,

Suzanne

I am a stickler for standing for O Canada. Perhaps it is because I have been to countries where freedom is not a given. I live in a great, but not perfect, country. I am proud to be Canadian most days. Our history has been one of peacekeeping, even though that is shifting. We have our blemishes to be sure–ask a Japanese Canadian, for example. However, generally we do well. I love our oceans, mountains, prairies and frozen tundras.  I have been lucky enough to go from sea to sea and watch whales play in two of our oceans; to witness the aurora borealis while laying on a caribou skin in my parka and sorrels with a husky between a friend and I to keep us warm; and to delight in perogies, poutine, and sucre cream tarts.

I used to attend hockey games and the opening chords of the hockey night in Canada theme song still brings back Saturday night memories like yesterday. I have been in a sweat lodge in the middle of the prairies. I have stood amongst tall evergreens, breathing deeply fresh air. I have gazed upon the amazing sight of people scurrying with pails to scoop up caplin for supper. This is a magnificent country.

I have traveled the world and yet there is no place I would rather be most days than right here. People joke about Canadians being polite, overly generous and apologetic. Those are not bad traits in my mind. I hope we never lose that sense of who we are. We are a people rooted in our land, in our ancestors, and in our commitment to make the world a better place.

What are you grateful for in this blessed country of ours? Happy Canada Day!

Peace,

Suzanne