I am back for a short time. Can't seem to stay away. I went to Phoenix
Saturday afternoon and came back Sunday. I played Santa Claus for my son
and his wife. They won't be able to join me for Christmas so we did the
presents a little early this year. It was a wonderful day. I believe my
son and his wife are really growing up - they are still very young - but I
was greatly impressed with them both. My mother was a great proponent of
counting blessings when things look the bleakest. She reminds me that I
have so much to thank God for. Many people, probably most people, have
so much less than I and have experienced far less love - I cannot help but
have a heart overflowing with gratitude even if it is broken, but mending.
I have a daily meditation in a little booklet that is called "Living
Faith". Todays reading is particularly striking to me. It reminds me that
we all need each other, more than we even know and to realize what a
blessing it is to find people who are so giving. Case in point: Marty,
Lillian, Joicy, Carla, John, PJ, Mary, Nancy, Kathy, Frank, and many
others that found this MOL haven. Cindy was a personal angel to me during
a very terrifying and dark period. I can't name everyone but each of you
have touched my heart and I thank you.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in
spirit he saves." Psalm 34:19
"Recently I have found myself reluctant to answer the phone, read my mail,
or watch the news because of so much suffering - the sudden death of a
young mother, the seeming inability of death to come to a person who has
been in great pain for months and who is eager to die, the suffering
brought by natural disasters, and the agonizing "why?" that arises after
yet another killing of innocent people. I have also seen the more muted
pain of disappointment in relationships, concern about having enough to buy
a few Christmas gifts for one's children and difficulty in putting on a
holiday "face" while feeling very down.
I believe my reluctance and hesitancy about being in touch with others'
pain and suffering is that I feel helpless and vulnerable: helpless because
I cannot magically remove their pain, and vulnerable because I know these
troubles could be just around the corner waiting for me! How do I respond?
I often say that "all I can do" is pray. But is that not more than enough
in view of the promise that God is "close to the brokenhearted" and is
always ready to "save the crushed in spirit"?"
(Written by Sr. Carol Ann Jokerst, C.C.V.I.)
So, prayers are "all I can do" for all of you and that IS enough. Take
care, I'm off again on Saturday to Albuqueque (and to meet Betty, another
MOLer YEAH!!). I'll be offline then for about two weeks. Take care of
yourselves. Much love is sent to each of you. Paula
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