A couple of days ago there was a mini poll on the front page of the local newspaper. The question was asked: Was 2010 a good year or a bad year for you? 57% said it was a good year, 43% answered bad.
That set me thinking about my year. As I look back it was definitely a good year. But then I don't have any bad years to look back upon. Perhaps it's all in my perspective. The following list of happenings from the year came to mind, not necessarily in any order of importance.
1. My Love and I went on a 5 day cruise in January. It was so relaxing, refreshing and renewing that we have decided to repeat the experience on a 7 day version this year.
2. My Mother endured an operation last summer. Her period of recuperation was much longer than anticipated, but we are all grateful that she is doing well now. This whole experience did not strengthen our confidence in the medical system.
3. My Love's brother, Mike, died very suddenly. His death reminded us all of how precious life is, and how important it is to live each moment to the fullest. Since Mike was a perfect example of that reality, he had no regrets, we have none for him, even though his presence is missed greatly.
4. My Love's Father continues his slow, steady decline in the nursing home. His gentle, loving acceptance of his reality is an inspiration to all of us in the midst of a difficult situation. Also, the faith of My Love's Mother is a true sign of God's presence. The opportunity to support and care for both of them has been a blessing to both My Love and me.
5. My 50th Class Reunion in September was an enjoyable and fun experience. It was a bit of a surprise to be surrounded with so many "old" people! But they could really dance.
6. Having a steady job with a good company in these rocky economic times is a true cause for gratitude. The opportunity to work with good people and assist people in need only adds to the blessing.
7. Going home to our little Shack in the woods is like having our own private retreat house. How refreshing and renewing it is to be able to soak up the gifts of nature by simply stepping outdoors or looking out the windows.
8. Two opportunities to visit with our friends, Gail and Marilyn, in person were definite highlights. Once they came to our Shack, the second time we spent time with them at the home of their daughter. The treasure of this friendship is truly a gift.
9. The loving support and constant encouragement of My Love for me makes all things possible, and everything joyful. The gift of her presence in my life cannot be overestimated. Nor can I be adequately thankful.
10. Finally it is the gift of faith which puts a positive spin on all life's happenings. This it is which enables me to join with the 57% above who declared this past year as a good one. For it is not what happens to us that is important, only what we do with what happens to us. "If God is for us, who can be against us" (Romans 8:31).
May your New Year 2011 be filled with blessings that you recognize. May God be present in ways that you can accept.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Just Passing Through
What a scary shock and jolting surprise it was to come home last Sunday afternoon to find a large, jagged hole in our kitchen window. Lying on the floor just in front of the sink was a 12 gauge shotgun slug which had penetrated both the double-pane window and the inside screen.
On Sunday morning we had traveled to Carroll to take my Mother home. She had spent the previous two weeks with us, relaxing and enjoying our life in the country. It was a wonderful time as she visited My Love's Mother, played cards and other games, read lots of books from the library, and just "hung out". On Saturday evening, we traveled to Sheldon to witness the official installation of my brother, Allan, as the new pastor of St Patrick's Parish. She enjoyed her visit to our Little Piece of Paradise.
The first shotgun season for deer opened last weekend. Saturday and Sunday the hills around our house were crawling with guys in neon orange vests and hats. Traffic on our normally quiet gravel road was approaching rush-hour level. The addition of alcohol to the mixture minimized the safety factor in some instances.
Hence the incident in our house. When we arrived late Sunday afternoon, we were shocked, but grateful that we had been gone. The window in question sits directly over the kitchen sink where My Love stands while washing dishes. The projectile entered at head level at a downward angle, crossing from left to right. It could have been dangerous for someone standing by the sink.
Once again we are grateful to God for his presence and protection in our lives. Perhaps next year we will go away for the weekend when deer season opens.
On Sunday morning we had traveled to Carroll to take my Mother home. She had spent the previous two weeks with us, relaxing and enjoying our life in the country. It was a wonderful time as she visited My Love's Mother, played cards and other games, read lots of books from the library, and just "hung out". On Saturday evening, we traveled to Sheldon to witness the official installation of my brother, Allan, as the new pastor of St Patrick's Parish. She enjoyed her visit to our Little Piece of Paradise.
The first shotgun season for deer opened last weekend. Saturday and Sunday the hills around our house were crawling with guys in neon orange vests and hats. Traffic on our normally quiet gravel road was approaching rush-hour level. The addition of alcohol to the mixture minimized the safety factor in some instances.
Hence the incident in our house. When we arrived late Sunday afternoon, we were shocked, but grateful that we had been gone. The window in question sits directly over the kitchen sink where My Love stands while washing dishes. The projectile entered at head level at a downward angle, crossing from left to right. It could have been dangerous for someone standing by the sink.
Once again we are grateful to God for his presence and protection in our lives. Perhaps next year we will go away for the weekend when deer season opens.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
On The Other Hand
In the musical, "Fiddler On The Roof," Tevya displays a beautiful and very real relationship with God. He carries on a conversation with God throughout the story saying, "Dear God, on the one hand....then on the other hand..." In this way he prays through the various problems and decisions of his life, seeing both sides of the issue before making his choice. Until his third daughter informs him that she is going to marry a Gentile, and he says to God, "There is no other hand."
How difficult, but at the same time how critical, it is to see all sides to any situation. When making decisions concerning our life, whether personal, communal, political, ecclesial, business or whatever, it is so important to realize that there are various ways of looking at the question under discussion.
Many of the "hot button" issues of our world deserve discussing, airing all sides so that intelligent and informed decisions can be made. Whether we are talking about involvement in war in Iraq or Afghanistan, tax cuts for this group or that, stem cell research, abortion, same sex marriage, the relation of Islam to terrorists, or whatever other concern you carry, there is a need to hold in depth discussions in order to grasp the full implications of all aspects of those issues. Only when we have set aside our preconceived judgments and conclusions, entered into honest dialog under the guidance of the Spirit in an atmosphere of prayer can we hope to arrive at some sort of peace and harmony in our torn world. Maybe, in some cases, like Tevya, we will come to the conclusion that "there is no other hand". But that cannot be the starting place.
If this season of Christmas shows us anything, it is that God will go to any extreme to bring forgiveness, peace and healing to our broken world. But God needs our consent and cooperation to get it accomplished at this time in history.
How difficult, but at the same time how critical, it is to see all sides to any situation. When making decisions concerning our life, whether personal, communal, political, ecclesial, business or whatever, it is so important to realize that there are various ways of looking at the question under discussion.
Many of the "hot button" issues of our world deserve discussing, airing all sides so that intelligent and informed decisions can be made. Whether we are talking about involvement in war in Iraq or Afghanistan, tax cuts for this group or that, stem cell research, abortion, same sex marriage, the relation of Islam to terrorists, or whatever other concern you carry, there is a need to hold in depth discussions in order to grasp the full implications of all aspects of those issues. Only when we have set aside our preconceived judgments and conclusions, entered into honest dialog under the guidance of the Spirit in an atmosphere of prayer can we hope to arrive at some sort of peace and harmony in our torn world. Maybe, in some cases, like Tevya, we will come to the conclusion that "there is no other hand". But that cannot be the starting place.
If this season of Christmas shows us anything, it is that God will go to any extreme to bring forgiveness, peace and healing to our broken world. But God needs our consent and cooperation to get it accomplished at this time in history.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Pray Twice
Growing up in a Catholic family, attending a K-12 Catholic school, worshipping in a Catholic faith community, I oft heard the refrain: "He who sings, prays twice." Music was an integral part of my life and the life of our family.
Now my sister, Diane Mahoney, who grew up in that same environment, has cut a CD of religious, spiritual songs. For the last 30+ years she has placed her talents and her Masters Degree in music at the service of the Catholic faith community as liturgist, organist and choir director in the various parishes to which she belonged. Along with two other musician friends, she has produced a beautiful CD entitled "Give Me Jesus". It is a varied collection of spiritual and meditative songs from traditional to contemporary style, all designed to give praise and honor to God as they lift the minds and hearts of the listeners.
As I listened for the first time to this inspirational disc, my heart was touched and the tears flowed down my face. I felt like Moses before the burning bush when God said: "Take off your sandals for you are standing on holy ground" (Ex 3:5). I definitely was in the Presence of the Divine.
To enjoy a taste of this masterpiece by listening to track 4, click on the icon below.
Ave Maria (Hail Mary).wma
This song, and all the rest, are wonderful reflections for this Advent season. What a gift this would be for yourself or one of your loved ones in this special time of God's giving to us. To order "Give Me Jesus", contact Diane Mahoney at (319) 752-3487, or email her at stanmah@mchsi.com. Give yourself the gift of praying twice.
Now my sister, Diane Mahoney, who grew up in that same environment, has cut a CD of religious, spiritual songs. For the last 30+ years she has placed her talents and her Masters Degree in music at the service of the Catholic faith community as liturgist, organist and choir director in the various parishes to which she belonged. Along with two other musician friends, she has produced a beautiful CD entitled "Give Me Jesus". It is a varied collection of spiritual and meditative songs from traditional to contemporary style, all designed to give praise and honor to God as they lift the minds and hearts of the listeners.
As I listened for the first time to this inspirational disc, my heart was touched and the tears flowed down my face. I felt like Moses before the burning bush when God said: "Take off your sandals for you are standing on holy ground" (Ex 3:5). I definitely was in the Presence of the Divine.
To enjoy a taste of this masterpiece by listening to track 4, click on the icon below.
Ave Maria (Hail Mary).wma
This song, and all the rest, are wonderful reflections for this Advent season. What a gift this would be for yourself or one of your loved ones in this special time of God's giving to us. To order "Give Me Jesus", contact Diane Mahoney at (319) 752-3487, or email her at stanmah@mchsi.com. Give yourself the gift of praying twice.
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