Another New Year!

Happy New Year! In many countries, this day begins the night before and is celebrated well into the day of January 1 with food, drink, fireworks and celebrations. Then when "the ball drops" words of good luck and good cheer is extended. This is one time of the year I have no guilt in picking up the phone at midnight to wish family and friends "Happy New Year"! (The older I get, I look for a "ball to drop" in an earlier time zone so I don't have to stay up as late!!).

Making resolutions on New Years extends as far back as the Babylonian culture.  They made promises hoping to earn the favor of gods as they began the new year on the right foot! I no longer make new years' resolutions but resolve to get back on the right foot each and every time I think I have gotten off track. 

How do each of us get back on track? What can we resolve to do differently this year, not just with one big resolution, but little daily resolutions? How will we live this next year more fully, more peacefully and more compassionately than the last? Will the New Year simply be a day's worth of food and drink or a year of deeper intentions and living? 

"Twelve Days of Christmas"

Did you know that Christmas is not just one day, but can last anywhere from 12-40 days, depending on the ecclesial tradition? The song "Twelve Days of Christmas" might evoke 12 shopping days of Christmas but in reality, it refers to the days after Christmas. The end of the Christmas season may fall on one of several holy days:  the Feast of the Epiphany, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Different churches' celebrations may vary. 

The variety of these dates is very interesting to me.  In our own lives often there are many details in the calendar that are flexible because of one thing or another in the day or week.  Even in celebrating a person's birthday...the date may be a certain day of the week but may be celebrated earlier or later. Tongue in cheek there are some birthdays a person may celebrate all year (you know, those huge milestones!).

The message of Christmas should also continue all year. That message is about love and relationships. Consider how to celebrate that love all year long, not just these two days. What are we doing to keep Christmas in our hearts and lives? Not just "the twelve days of Christmas". 

Greatest Gift

"... they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."  Matthew 2:11

These weeks of Advent, as we have been preparing for the birth of Jesus, have sure been busy, exciting, joyful and maybe even tiring! With all the lights, decorations, sights and sounds of the season, even sharing meals with friends, shopping...the weeks have sped by. All these things are signs that something wonderful is coming... Christmas. 

Yes, Christmas is here, exactly as he promised: Immanuel. God with us! The Greatest Gift of All!  Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Family

Is there another time of year that evokes "family" as much as the Christmas season does? Personally, I can't think of one. It is special to me this year because my older brother is celebrating his 70th birthday and we were all asked to send a card or a video. I have many memories growing up with Tim and he continues to influence my life. In the Jewish tradition they believed that the first-born son belonged to God. Of course, being the oldest boy, my  parents also put him on a pedestal!! (You know the saying, "mother always liked him best!!"). 

The Holy Family

With nativity sets on display in homes I also think of the Holy Family, especially the "waiting" for that day of fulfillment, when God would take on the form of an infant, God's presence within the child, Jesus. Mary and Joseph's faithfulness at their time of waiting is profound. 

How have we been "waiting" this holy season... with a deeper sense of prayer, meditation and reflection?  Do we appreciate how our parents/family values have shaped us to be the person we are? So, let us continue to hold close to our hearts all those near and dear to us in our lives as we still wait for God to come to us in the child, Jesus.

What's In a Name?

Many years ago a very good friend of mine was sharing some things about a relative of hers who, because of drinking and drugs,  had done some things with some deep consequences.  She was furious...furious...Her main expressed thought was that he was ruining the family's good name.  That family name was a name well known in the area over many generations. 

Today, I think of what perhaps many of us have done over the years to tarnish what we claim we stand for.  That could be our family name, it could be an institution where we work or it could be our religious heritage (Christianity, Judaism or others). This week, especially with Christmas, gives me pause as to what is in the name of Jesus Christ.  Of course with the phrase "keep Christ in Christmas" it is yet another reminder.

Yes, my friend's relative was living with behaviors that were not becoming to the family name but how many of us use words in a manner unbecoming, or hold resentments that fester and are unbecoming. How do we "stand" for something yet do not actually live in a way that really upholds those beliefs? Yes, what is in a name?  

Wrapped in Love

"The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus." Luke 1:30-31

What gifts have we been wrapping this Christmas season? What gifts still need to be wrapped in the next few days? As we continue getting everything ready for Christmas, continuing the shopping, getting the house ready for company, shopping for the meals, I have been aware of my "yes"  to God asking God's presence to grow deeper in me this Advent season. 

Sometimes fear comes into play: "What will God ask of me in my life as I deepen my life in Him?" "What will I go through that I will not know how to deal with?" I must hear God speaking to me as he did to Mary: "Do not be afraid, Molly."

As I have been receiving some Christmas gifts from friends a little early, I open them up with love and appreciation. So too, as Jesus comes to me, His gift and presence is much deeper. Let me not be afraid to say "yes" each and every day, welcoming his presence in my life and in the whole world. 

Flip The Switch

How do we turn a light on? The other day I was sharing with someone that when I first sought out spiritual direction for myself, I didn't have a clue to what it was. My ministry as a hospital chaplain encouraged it so I just called a spiritual director, set up an appointment and when the time came, sat down and began talking.  I really just trusted the process and figured my spiritual director would tell me, guide me, "direct" me, but I must have been doing something right because I just kept talking!!

I remember a couple of times, still not "getting it" I simply said, "am I doing OK?"  She smiled and said I was doing great, so I kept talking. This continued one appointment after another.  I kept returning to her because it felt good to talk, be heard and I was uplifted afterward. There wasn't anything I didn't talk about. Once in awhile she would ask me a question or two that helped me see where the divine was in it all.

Pondering all this with the friend I was sharing this with, I told her this was sort of like when I want some light in a room. I just go to the light switch and flip it on.  I have never questioned the details of how the wiring goes in order to make that light come on.  I never questioned the details of what makes spiritual direction work...I just know it does! So, when I think I need details, I simply say "flip the switch...the light will go on!"

Joy to the World!

"Joy does not simply happen to us.  We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day."                                            Henri J.M. Nouwen 

Short Days

Dawn in Wisconsin!

This morning, after a wake up call from a friend for an early morning meeting, I found myself thinking about when the sun will begin to come up a little earlier. The days are short, sunlight is precious but when the alarm calls and it is cold and dark yet, warm covers call all the more. Then I think of all I am looking forward to in my day.

In all my appointments there are treasured moments to spend time with friends and acquaintances, visiting with old work associates, catching up on the times, sharing memories...even time to spend in quiet prayer and meditation, lifting those up who have asked for prayer...these all become the light in my day. 

I soon forget my thoughts of the early hours; my day has taken on a tapestry of colors all its own, bringing such warmth to it, I don't want to crawl back in bed any longer. The days will march on and the sun will eventually rise earlier. Eventually, as the schedule of the sunrise adjusts itself with the dawn of each new day, even if I meet the day in the cold and dark, I can find light in my day no matter what. 

Footprints In The Snow

It's amazing how fast time flies, especially in the northwoods in the wintertime. It is such a beautiful season, watching deer come in to feed, blue jays, woodpeckers and other birds at the feeders. Add to this the squirrels, turkeys...anything to make the landscape, one moment smooth and untouched, the next, filled with tracks. 

So, too, our life.  I dream, however foolishly, that there could be no "footprints" of imperfections in my life. Being only human, very human, all sorts of imperfections make tracks in the landscape of my life. I always hope for another snowfall to wipe them away.  The little divots never completely disappear,  though,  never to return to the perfection I would like. Dream on...

Rather than dream, perhaps, I will continue to simply "accept life on life's terms" and deal with "progress not perfection."  That brings me peace, rather than frustration. No need...I'm only human after all. So, knowing how time flies, even in the wintertime of my life, there is always that reality that spring will come again...soon!

Buzzard, Bat, Bumblebee

Just had to share this one.  Don't know original author at all.

THE BUZZARD

If you put a buzzard in a pen 

that is 6 feet by 8 feet and

 is entirely open at the top, the bird,

 in spite of its ability to fly,

 will be an absolute prisoner.

The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight

 from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet.

Without space to run, as is its habit,

 it will not even attempt to fly,

 but will remain a prisoner 

in a small jail with no top.

THE BAT

The ordinary bat that flies around at night, 

a remarkable nimble creature in the air,

 cannot take off from a level place. 

 If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, 

all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, 

 no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation

 from which it can throw itself into the air.

Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

THE BUMBLEBEE

The bumblebee, if opened into an open tumbler,

 will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out.

 It never sees the means of escape at the top,

 but persists in trying to find some way out 

through the sides near the bottom.

It will seek a way where none exits,

 until it completely destroys itself.

PEOPLE

In many ways we are 

like the buzzard, the bat and the bumblebee.

 We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations,

 never realizing that all 

we have to do is look up! 

That's the answer,

 the escape route and the solution to any problem...

just look up!

Sorrow looks  back,

Worry looks around, 

But faith looks up!

Live simply,

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly, and

Trust in our Creator 

who loves us.

Those Words!!

OK, those words: "director"..."spiritual direction"!!

Makes me think of a traffic cop, music conductor or something else. This is certainly a misnomer because it implies we are telling others what to do, how to do it...directing...but this could not be further from what spiritual direction is.  It is not even trying to point a person in any direction.

Other words have been used, like "companion" but I guess there's a problem with our English language no matter what word is used, so "spiritual direction" it is. As I continue to "learn" the art of spiritual direction, it is beginning to sink in that the spiritual director is actually a companion to those who come for direction. It is a journey with another, allowing that person (directee) to lead the way in conversation with focus being on spiritual things. I define spiritual as being our relationship with ourselves, others and God (not religious dogma, church rules/regulations, etc.)

Oh yes, if a question comes up that would assist the conversation in going deeper or would help expand it, this is appropriate especially if it "evokes" some deeper reflection and awareness.  A good question "evokes" from the other something from within that person. This "Evocative Method" is what I have been trained in. It also trusts that the the holy/the divine is present, really leading the way.

So, nothing to get hung up on...whatever word you want to use, just remember, you are leading the way, not the director!

To The Desert

From the tundra of Wisconsin to the desert of Arizona!!

Redemptorist Renewal Center, Tucson, AZ

In the middle of February, the warmth was wonderful. Classes and training began.  It was intense, with lots of practical experience. I questioned this program, being a total of four weeks (150 hrs.), as opposed to "several years" for other programs. At first, "several years" sounded impressive until I learned that there was actually more practicum time here. Weekend programs had less time "practicing." Five days a week we broke into groups and pairs; one student acting as director, one as directee, with a real director supervising our time as well as the small group critiquing the session. 

Classes consisted of about 12 individuals from every faith denomination as well as no particular denomination ("spiritual not religious").  It became clear what an eclectic bunch of folks we were; we then transferred that thought to those who will eventually seek spiritual direction. 

So, from the tundra of cold Wisconsin, to the warmth of the desert of Arizona, there were not only blooms of the desert flowers; there were also blooms in my spirit!

Huge surprise!

Have you ever been so surprised that a feather could knock you over? Well, after our days at the cabin, several days into the new year, 2013, I heard from Tucson.  I was accepted into that next program which began mid February!!

Lemon & Muffin best friends

Now what??  This certainly was the last thing I ever expected. New concerns now became evident:  cost of tuition, cost of travel, means of travel, weather... and to top it off my dear 12 y/o cat, Muffin, was declining steadily and needed medicine and vet care and was expected to die. Being retired now, life was presenting other issues that I was needing to figure out. Of course, the financial concerns undergirded everything.

As fast as these thoughts and concerns came, the phone rang just as fast...it was my credit union, with a proposal. They refreshed my memory saying I had wanted them to call me when the interest rates were appropriate so I could refinance my loan.  Rates had lowered and if I wanted to take an "add-on loan" the rate would be lower yet. Timing couldn't have been more perfect.

The whole training would encompass being in Tucson two weeks in February, then two more weeks in April, necessitating lots of expensive travel. By the time I had checked travel, debating whether it would be by plane, train, car or bus, comparing all these costs, the amount of the "add on loan"  came to the exact amount that I would have had to withdraw from my savings for the entire endeavor!! I don't think this was a co-incidence!

Good Morning!

Good Morning, readers!

It looks as if my next blog is scheduled to publish later this afternoon sometime. Getting all the wrinkles ironed out with the webpage and blogging is taking some time for me.  I meet with my webpage designer this afternoon and hope to tweak a couple of things so I ask your patience. 

Hopefully some questions will be answered as the blogs continue.  I am discovering the difference between reading a blog and reading a novel! So, as I must be patient in some of this...hold your horses and...sit, sip a good cup of coffee or tea and marvel at all the good things in life!