Consider it

 When I retired, went to Tucson for spiritual direction training I couldn't imagine my future at that point.  However, in retirement, a person still yearns for meaning and purpose.  Actually, a need "to belong" I think, is one of our most deep needs. Belonging to a family unit, work system, friends...you name it. 

I never imagined becoming a spiritual director would fill that need but as much as it is wonderful on my end, it is that much more rewarding when I see a client's spirit soar when they come onto a reality or truth that resonates with them.  

Those realities have come in all different ways. When their heart hears God speak to them, or in spite of their life having changed in so many ways that they are so blessed in new ways, it becomes clear they are being helped in ways never imagined.

When Covid hit everyones' way of living and getting together changed but lately it has opened doors that never would have presented themselves otherwise.  It opened the option of meeting on Messenger/Zoom and other online resources.  Now, I even attend some meetings by phone, Zoom and Messenger.  It sure saves travel time and expenses. 

So, when I look where all my friends and acquaintances hail from, lots from out of town and out of state, let me invite you to consider spiritual direction from afar. You might even  consider sharing this post with your friends to inform them.  Comments are really positive from those who are at a distance and meet electronically.  

Think about it.  Give me a call or email me, we can talk and discuss any questions you may have. (mclafond2014@gmail.com). I have a few openings in my schedule and want to make this opportunity available to you.  Thank you!

PLAN A...B

Have you ever had your "to do list" all ready, wanting to tie into those tasks to get things done, especially when it was necessary to winterize, get outdoor details squared away? Then the weather forces a showdown with steady rain and when not raining, wind becomes relentless...all week. This was my "plan A." 

I have learned it doesn't pay to argue with Mother Nature, so a good friend and I took a nice long drive, ended up having a wonderful lunch and enjoyed the fall colors that were more muted than not. We then played many games of Rummicube;  she beat me so many times which gives incentive to play again; hopefully, I can redeem myself!! 

Have you ever said to yourself, when you are not able to get your intended "to do list" done, "it'll be there tomorrow, what's the worse if it doesn't get done today?" It usually pays to know there is a "plan B" in life. 

That goes not only with "to do lists" but our reaction to others, philosophies, different cultures/religions, etc. It is a choice to go to "plan B" as well as our choice in how we react, speak and behave. What is the worst if I keep my words and thoughts to myself, especially when it is just to disagree?  The weekend ended up being very relaxing and peaceful; that was a choice, too!  Just a thought! 

Courtesy of Yahoo

Pruned

 Last week, for safety sake, I had two beautiful, old, huge oak trees pruned because one massive limb had already broken, missing the deck, patio and porch.  There was another very large limb hovering over the entire house.  If that had broken off it would have done immeasurable damage.

So, as hard as it was, I called a friend who does tree work.  It took many hours to trim and as each limb disappeared I wondered how much of the tree and shade would remain. 

However, the "other side of the coin" occurred to me. It was later in the day, the sun was shining through into the porch.  The flowers potted on the patio below the windows outside had struggled a bit because of the shade. I suddenly realized that now more sun would shine in those areas making it easier for some flowers to survive. 

Looking high to the two oak trees I could see the canopy of limbs and leaves that still remained. There was still a place for the birds, squirrels, flying squirrels, raccoons and yes, even bear could climb up!  These are sights I relish enjoying as I watch my "outdoor channel."

So, going one step further, how do each of us react when something in our life is "pruned"?  It could be a need to downsize, a family death, a financial adjustment, a loss of a friend, health issues...you name it, even Covid. What  does the "other side of the coin", this transition offer us? What can the positive change offer us when it happens?  

I never imagined this perspective until I sat quietly long enough to let it hit me that even though two beautiful oak trees needed to be pruned, it can have a personal perspective in our own lives if we let it.  A peace came to me and it might you.  This peace might not have come without the sadness of losing something so beautiful.

Courtesy of Pixabay