Open Arms

I have reached a point in my life

where I understand the pain and the challenges;

and my attitude is one of standing up

with open arms to meet them all.

Myrlie Evers

www.gratefulness.org

Anticipating the Vision

The marvelous vision of the peaceable Kingdom, in which all violence has been overcome and all men, women, and children live in loving unity with nature, calls for its realisation in our day-to-day lives.
Instead of being an escapist dream, it challenges us to anticipate what it promises.

Every time we forgive our neighbor,
every time we make a child smile,
every time we show compassion to a suffering person,
every time we arrange a bouquet of flowers,
offer care to tame or wild animals,
prevent pollution,
create beauty in our homes and gardens,
and work for peace and justice among peoples and nations
we are making the vision come true.

We must remind one another constantly of the vision.
Whenever it comes alive in us we will find new energy to live it out, right where we are.
Instead of making us escape real life,
this beautiful vision gets us involved.

-- Henri Nouwen

Choosing The Path

It is 5:15 a.m. and the snow is falling.
I am outside shoveling.
I am not shoveling the driveway or sidewalk; luckily someone else will do that job.
I am shoveling a path for my dog.
She still sound asleep, cozy and comfortable inside.
She is too small to find her way in several inches of snow, so I create a way for her.
In a little while, she rises, stretches, and goes out.
She looks at other possibilities, but chooses the path I have created.
She chooses not simply out of need, but because it is clear and ready for her.
The hungry crowd at the Sea of Galilee was like a blizzard to t he disciples.
Uncertain of how to face this enormous need, they turn to Jesus.
He shows them the way.
The hungers of the human family are satisfied when disciples, in the name of Jesus, share what they have been given.
Jesus calls each of us to realize there is more than enough food, justice, peace, and love in the world.
It is the unfair distribution of those things that still keep many hungry.
In a season of giving and receiving, Jesus calls us to get up from what keeps us comfortable and look out.
A path is clear and ready for us.
The challenge is taking the first step.

-- Monsignor Gregory E.S. Malovetz

Loving Father, save me from my ow willfulness and
make me generous in following Jesus the Way.

Keeping Life Managable

Each morning sees some task begin.
Each evening sees it done.
Something attempted, something done.

‑ Longfellow

Every day for us is a period of spiritual growth.
Restful sleep prepares us for fruitful days.
As each day begins, a new adventure in growth lies ahead.
We seek strength and an attitude of making our lives more meaningful and positive through prayer and meditation at the start of each new day during our quiet time.
We prepare ourselves emotionally for the busy hours ahead.
With positive action planned ahead, we arise to a day dedicated to accomplishment.
We know we have little time for standing and idly staring.
We accept new challenges as we carry out each day's plans.
We encourage those around us to join us in seeking to see the best in everything that makes up our daily lives.

Restful sleep, meditation, planning, and turning it over starts my day with a quiet time and keeps it manageable.