Long Trip

Have you ever taken a long trip? What was it like for you? I just traveled over 2000 miles to visit family and friends in Ohio and Maryland. It was a lot of driving over 10 days or so and actually a wonderful Easter day and week afterwards.  Weather was perfect and the warmest we've had so early.

When I think back of all those I saw I personally can't fathom it all.  One thing that happened was that several wished I could stay longer, explaining how honored they were that I would take the time to visit. 

A niece who lives a bit "off the beaten path" from most of the family clan explained her feelings to me. She shared that when anyone comes her distance and wants to stay over, she is honored to think they want to spend time.  I certainly could relate to her because Wisconsin is not the first place most want to come to; this distance is not exactly "across town".

An amazing thing occurred in my spirit during this time.  It became very clear how loved I am and important my presence is. This presence in the entire family system (and system of friends) cannot be minimized. For the most part many wished I was staying longer. 

It's a fine balance when visiting anyone; my dad routinely told us at home that "even fish start to stink after three days!" That message sticks with a person for a long time, not wanting to wear out the welcome!

So, even though I was ready to get home and had a wonderful time, the whole trip impressed me with how deeply I am loved by family and friends alike. The other side is:  how much love did I radiate to others?  It's a two way street!

This is huge; how often do you think of this?  I mean, to really let it resonate inside of you?  Are there times and situations that have left you feeling very, very loved...I mean, from the inside out! And, how much love do YOU radiate to others?

It can be very profound when a deeper awareness happens, but we need to take time to let these bigger messages of life sink in. Sometimes it is a long trip of life to reflect on deeper meanings but they are there for each of us. Sometimes chaos and traumas get in the way but even in this mess there can be found a pearl of great wealth.  I found a pearl of great light!  Hope you do too!

Computer map

New Life

In a short while Easter will be here.  Over the years this highest of holy days has taken on a new meaning for me, especially in light of Holy week, the Triduum which is Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Last year I don't remember a thing about Lent except Holy Week.  I have to think hard even about Easter. This is my reflection: Many of us have struggles that have made me even say, "I don't want your cross(es), I will keep my own, thank you!" Some journeys are convoluted, challenging with no fast answers: financial, kids acting out, illness/death...you name it.

They are dark days; days, weeks and months go on and on and on.  Then something changes: yes, even death of a loved one.  Often we hear, "it was enough!" 

Easter in our Christian faith means Jesus' resurrection/new life but what about each of us? Some journeys are like the waiting of Holy Saturday, waiting in the tomb with no new life (yet) and it gets hard waiting. 

But, over time we may notice something changing. Our spirit now has a positive energy, we "find" ourselves.  Yes, Easter gives me hope and more than that Holy Week reminds me that all the dark journey we go through, most of us will find a new life spiritually, emotionally and in other ways.

So, hopefully we can see Easter in a very practical way, in an every day way.  Being an "Easter people" (look this up!) is not just a saying but a very real and practical saying that can give us a real hope that there will be new life at the end of a very dark journey. Our actions should reflect this.  Of anyone, Jesus certainly understands our journey!  

A blessed Easter to each of you, your families and your loved ones!  May each of us find new life this Easter!

Courtesy of Pixabay