planting seeds

Today did get to another thing on my bucket list. What is one thing yours? You know those things you always want to do but never get to. That is what staycations help with.
I planted two kinds of tulips and bag of crocus in the front flower bed. I will be eagerly waiting to see in the spring if they come up in all their splendor. Now planting is work but with the hope of a good crop at at time later.

I was thinking what other seeds am I planting these days, and will they bear fruit?

I am hoping the thoughts and reflections of this blog will help others see God in their ordinary daily life.

I hope by attending a funeral I can plant the seed of the Resurrection  to a grieving mother who can't hear of eternal life  that at this time of mourning. I wonder did Mary know of the Resurrection?  She too supported frightened apostles in their grief while she herself was grieving.

I invite you to look at what seeds you are planting today.
feel free to share them if you feel so inclined.Id love to hear from you.

If you cant think of anything, tulip bulbs are great to plant.

Grief, Pain, Mother's sorrow

I am on vacation but I went to a funeral today. One of my volunteers daughter died unexpectedly at age 51, following a motorcycle accident. She was just a few days from being discharged from rehab to her mother and dad's home. I just felt I needed to go to be of some visible support to the parents. Unfortunately this is the 2nd adult child they lost unexpectedly. All I could think to say is you and your family are in my prayers.

Parents don't plan that their children preceed them to God's home. Many memories at the service.That is okay but dont wait any longer than now to tell someone you love them and appreciate them, forgive them if you are upset with them let it go. Suprisingly when we are upset with someone they often dont even know it.

I was encouraged to see so many there from our parish and the 3rd order franciscans. The service was in a church other than the parents Catholic parish. I could see they appreciated every person who came and talked with them.

It really takes so little to extend ones self and the benefit is huge and longlasting.

CELEBRATION OF JUBILEES & RELATIONSHIPS

Rejoice with those celebrating the anniversary of their profession to religious life.
Today went to Oshkosh to celebrate the Jubilee anniversary of our Sisters in the Midwest& Caribbean areas. In religious life this is like a wedding anniversary.

I was very touched by the (3) Sisters that celebrated 75 years of service in Religious life. (6) Celebrated 60 years of service, (1) celebrated 50 years of service and (5) celebrated 25 years of service as vowed Religious women in the community of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother.

 I was witnessing faithfulness one day at a time. When I  first publicly pronounced my vows I never thought  I am vowing this for 53 years.
All relationships are one day at a time of faithfulness. That in itself in this time and age is counter cultural.

Treasure your friends today and be faithful to them, thank them for their support and  support them and help them on their life's journey.

None of us would choose to do the ups and downs of daily life alone. It doesn't matter what life style you are called to be grateful for your support system, celebrate milestones. 

Have your own anniversaries. Take someone in your support system for coffee this week and tell them thank you.
 Have your own Jubilee celebration knowing you don't need to wait 75,60,50,or 25 years.

drama queen or really sick

Today Sophie was sick acting like she had a back strain, muscle pull or injury. One never knows so off to the vet she goes with Lois.

Now she happens to have a special love for Dr. Paul that is Sophie, of course Lois likes him.

After he examined her he thinks probably a pulled muscle, some anti-spasm pills that she can have every 24 hours. If not her I might take one myself.

God cares for all creatures big and small. That is Sophie love by God and by us as well. 

On one retreat I read a book I would recommend to you. God and Dog  by Wendy Francisco. The qualities mentioned were faithful, forgiving, doesn't remember when we are crabby, always happy to see us, stays with us no matter what and watches for us to come home.

As I write this I think she is on the mend.
I know I have seen love from both sides now, Thank you God for when I look up I see God when I look down I see Dog
I cant match their love for me.

Amen bow wow

(check Utube video God and dog)

Volunteers--How about me

Today Ministry Health are had a leadership workshop for all the board members of the various Ministry boards. These are people who live in the local health care facility community and are giving their time and talent to make health care better in their community better for everyone. The challenges before them today are how can we continue make health care affordable, available and maintain quality of care. These volunteers are the busiest people I know. They are just like everyone else with more to do than time to do it, yet they find a way to help to make their community better for everyone. They come from all walks of life with experiences that can only make the care we deliver better. They see things in a different light than those of us who are working within the health care system. We need their Wisdom.

When I see someone voluteering do I say thank you for making this part of the world a better place?

The thought that came to my mind is where am I volunteering so I too can make the world a better place? There is no time like the present.  Everyone who volunteers will tell you, I get more out of this than I give.

Celebrate values--Live the Works of Mercy

Had a busy day today at Ministry doing annointing of the hands. I was proud the Administrator and her team blessed the hands of all the employees who wanted them blessed.


It was also neat to see the Medical director annoint hands as well.

At a noon luncheon,we recognized the many volunteers who bring communion to the patients. A service we would not have without their assistance.

Many employees stated they were touched the  annointing of their hands. We said a simple prayer "We thank you for your presence and bless you as you bring your presence to others"

We wish the same to your today.

changing seasons

Today I went to visit my brother Bert. He is 19 1/2 years older than me. He lives in assisted living which is 1hr 45minutes to 2 hours west of where I live.

As I was traveling west, I noticed some of the leaves are beginning to change color and become their beautiful fall colorful self.

I have also noticed my brother has less interest these past several months of going shopping or taking a drive to visit some friends.. He is content to stay in his space read and wind down. He will go out for lunch and then we come home.

I wondered am I also detaching, becoming a more integrated self as I am in my changing seasons.

We are aware of the weather changing and frost/freeze warnings, but  not always aware of our changing seasons in our lives and the gifts they bear, nor are we always aware of the changing seasons in the lives of those we love.

Lately at ministry I hear mothers telling me of their grieving their sons/daughters going off to college for the first time. "He left couple of weeks ago and hasn't called yet"  You are missing them and they are having a whole new adventure.
A time of changing seasons and letting go a detachment from your children from kids to adulthood

Another mom says " My kids are choosing what they want to wear to school and wouldn't be my choice. I guess if they get cold they will put more clothes on" there was a time not so long ago you had to dress them.

I pray we may be more aware of the changing of seasons in our life and the lives of those we love, support them and embrace the detachment that occurs as gift.