This last weekend several storms pelted Southern California. On Saturday night we lost power in the area around my convent for about two hours. Although we did have flashlights, they don’t work without batteries! Fortunately, nuns always have candles for prayer, ambience, etc. Still, we were grateful when the power was restored. The experience sharpened my awareness of how much I depend upon power for light and warmth, echoing my yearning this Advent for Christ’s light and life, the true source of power in all our lives.
Archive for the ‘Gratitude’ Category
Taking Things for Granted…
Posted in Gratitude, tagged Advent, everyday, nuns, patience, reflections on December 15, 2009| Leave a Comment »
Let’s Celebrate This Christmas with a Truly Grateful Heart…
Posted in Gratitude, reflections, tagged Advent, God's love, God's servants, Prayer, spirituality on December 12, 2009| Leave a Comment »
Ever attend one of those masses where something strikes you; touches your heart deep down? This past Thanksgiving Day mass at our local parish was a standout for me. When the time for the homily arrived, the celebrant invited parishioners to share reasons that they are giving thanks this year. Although all were very touching, one woman’s sharing really inspired the congregation. Her story was one of deep gratefulness for the blessing of life. After surviving two bouts of cancer she now sees each moment of life as the gift from God that it is. Her faith has been tested, and she has found it to be a source of great consolation. Even in the face of unbelievable trials she has nothing but gratitude to God for His abundant love and providential care. Her challenge to us, the parishioners, was “Can you live simply, grateful for the blessings God gives, so that others can simply live?”
So, dear readers, I would like up take up her challenge during Advent and beyond.
On each of the following days of Advent I would like to post one thing that I am grateful for, and I invite you to do the same. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this Christmas we brought to the celebration a truly thankful heart? As Maricela states, sometimes gratitude can be contagious!
December 3, 2009
Today is the feast of St. Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary who preached the Gospel in India and Japan. Today I am grateful for the missionary work of the Sisters of Notre Dame in Uganda. California and Kentucky were pretty brave to begin this endeavor, and God has blessed the work. I also pray today for Bishop Deogratias Byabazaire who invited us to his country and has been a friend and guide to us. Bishop Deogratias is dying. May God take good, gentle care of him.
Administrator’s note: Sorry for the tardy posting. Scheduling conflicts.
In the Hands of the Potter 