God in all things

We celebrate Jesus as King today. I used to throw an Epiphany party where guests had to come dressed as royalty. It was always great fun. Christ however was not that kind of king. He was hung on a cross where his enemies identified him as the “King of the Jews” and left to die a horrible death.

The wonderful thing about this King is His compassion and mercy. With his last breaths, he asked for forgiveness for those who did this terrible deed and showed mercy by telling one repentant sinner that he would join him in Paradise. Jesus taught us a new way to hold power, a new way to lead. He remained silent in his persecution and trusted that God would take care of the Plan. While on earth, he was a humble, poor man who gathered a crowd of followers with high hopes. His message touched hearts. His example was unlike anything people were used to. His words continue to inspire two thousand plus years later.

In Ignatian spirituality, the Call of the King is a meditation that should draw the person towards God, and confirm that there is a desire to stand under the banner of the lowly King, born in a stable, crucified on a cross, risen to glory, and with us still.  To whose reign will you submit? Choose anew today to be faithful to Jesus.

Peace,

Suzanne

This fall I began a different role at work. I was excited by it but today it was finally announced that I will be returning to my former position effective December 1–though I resume my duties in fact Monday. The change was not easy for people. Some privately emailed me to say how they would miss me; others were happy for a new face to replace me after 15 years of doing the job. I enjoyed aspects of the new position but after some discernment requested to go back to what I was doing.

I have not really questioned that decision much. I owned my pieces of the puzzle and throw the rest in the air to do with as God pleases. Change can be unsettling at times. The known is comfortable; the unknown challenging. I am in the process of making several decisions and tomorrow I will be on retreat so will have a day to consider some of the items on my plate.

How do  you perceive change? What makes challenges worth your efforts? When do some challenges not seem worth the struggle? What do you do with integrity at times when the ground seems like a slippery slope?

Peace,

Suzanne

This fall I went on retreat with poet Malcolm Guite and created this one afternoon. I had not written a poem in a long time.

Finding God in All

Distracted by beauty, seeing God in all things

Holiness whispering at every moment

Longing for attention, unfurling gentle wings

Snowflake kissing my cheek

Jolting me awake to the Presence

As only a Lover can, leaving knees weak

The kingdom of God near, here

Held unknowingly, grasp relentless

This earth only a tiny mirror

Generating joy in a hide-and seek game

Divining the Divine in cosmic wonder

Released from bindings of anger and shame

God in the spring and light;

God in the desert and dark

God in a never-ending glorious flight.

What inspires you? What drives you? Motivates you? Where does your passion erupt? Motivational Mondays, or MoMondays for short, took off just over a year ago here and I spoke at the third one. Tonight was the one year anniversary of this event. Amateur and professional speakers are given 10 minutes to tell their story. It is an amazing and inspiring evening. Tonight we heard from a woman who headlines the career section of the local newspaper. She asked those of us who were passionate about our jobs to stand up. Only about 10% of the room rose. How sad is that?

Another man shared his story of how his severe stammering would limit his life choices according to teachers and others giving him advice. Given a job at a Vidal Sasson salon, an encounter with the famed stylist changed his life. He now is an internationally renowned motivational speaker. 

A comedian began the evening after the music set. Another man talked about how his fears had limited him and how now he was trying to push past the limits and out of his comfort zone in the later part of his life. An artist had me chuckling about getting a “real job” when in fact, she had been an artist since she was 8 years old. She never wanted to be anything else. Now she published a book, has done a TED talk, and paints polar bears. How many of us would want her job? My hand is raised.

All this led me to wonder, what drives me to embrace my passions and what stops me in my tracks? Can I shake free of all that binds me and live completely what God has created me to be? How about you? Ready to embrace an amazing life?

Peace,

Suzanne

So often when life gets tough, it is easy to look elsewhere than to the One who already knows the issue.  The readings are hard today. Malachi warns the evildoers that they will be stubble. The Psalm is a favourite but still the premise is that the Lord is coming to judge the peoples. In the letter to the Thessalonians, readers are encouraged not to live in idleness and be busybodies, but rather to work quietly and earn a living. Jesus is clear in Luke’s Gospel: Do not be led astray. Many will come and show the way and yet we are warned to not follow those people.

This has been a year of listening to people whose stories are inspiring. It is tempting lately to run after the latest rising star but if that person is not grounded, what happens to us. I think of Fr. Michael Lapsley quietly doing his work in South Africa and spreading healing around the world. Brene Brown builds healthy self-esteems and resilience. For many years, Mandela preached reconciliation for all. While some keep their eyes on reality television, I look to the One who will bless me for being faithful to the Way. 

Many voices compete for our attention. Whose voice are you listening to and where is it leading you?

Peace,

Suzanne

When I was out for a walk earlier this afternoon, I heard a vaguely familiar sound. I looked across the river and saw an eagle flying towards a tree. To my utter amazement it joined three other eagles, all of whom were squawking up a storm. Amazing! I love eagles and find them to be a sacred bird. I was so grateful to encounter them. I stood and watched them perched there and then made my way to the edge of the embankment and took a photograph of them. I was across the river and it seemed like a huge abyss. I wanted to get closer but had no way. I thought of the poor rich man looking over at Lazarus, enjoying paradise while he suffered. So close and yet so far.

I have had close and mystical experiences with eagles and I remain awe-struck with them. They have such majesty in flight and appearance. I met a man along the trail when I returned to it and he seemed so disinterested because one eagle is always in that tree. I told him there were four there now and he seemed a bit more interested but still not fascinated.

God overgives and we underwhelm. Why is that? Why are we not taken aback hundreds of times during the day with all the miracles that we encounter? We can be ungrateful or feel entitled when really we could spend every moment dropping to our news in wonder. Help me to have eyes wide open with wonder and a heart that sings Your praises with joy and gratitude.

Peace,

Suzanne

I got together with two friends and colleagues tonight. One arrived bundled warmly in a hat, coat and mitts; the other with a light jacket. I smiled. Only here on the prairies do we understand cold. I was so grateful for the warm weather and snowless fall thus far. What a blessing!

Normally Friday night is my hunker down night. Stay home, veg, and recover from a busy week but I was enticed out by these friends and so grateful for the deep conversation punctuated with wild rounds of laughter. My soul feels so much happier.

How do you recover when stress has gotten the best of you?

Peace,

Suzanne

How do you find God in those moments when frustration and stress overwhelm you? It is easy to sing God’s praises when all is going well and everything is joyful but what about when you struggle to see that God that is there? I think about Mother Theresa and how she struggled to feel God sometimes. People were stunned. Teresa of Avila understood why God had few friends. People chuckle at her honesty. Both women though were deeply committed to the relationship. They never stopped serving, even when they did not understand the outcome. What keeps you on the path during the rough times?

Peace,

Suzanne

The days are shorter now. I find myself waking up and wanting to snuggle into the covers, stay warm and tap the snooze button. I miss the light already. I have started doing a novena to shed some of the darkness that seems to have taken over my life. I hate being crabby and that seems to be the state of many people around me. I cannot seem to stand long in the Light these days due to being pulled into the complaints and unhappiness of those around me. I have somehow forgotten how to be a Light-bearer. I need my angels to shower me with the goodness and joy of the One True Light.

How do you cope in these dark days? We hear of the devastation of the Philippines and Vietnam. We watch Mayor Ford unravel publicly without mercy or support for his addictions now that he can no longer hide in the dark. What damage does the dark do to your spirit? Are you in tune with the subtle chipping away of your joy? Grasp it tightly. The fragility of joy and wonder needs your help to survive.

Blessings abound even in these short days. Search for them. Don’t let the darkness overcome you. Love wins now and always. God is there, shining brightly if we have but eyes to see.

Peace,

Suzanne