Okay.  It’s been a week or so since posting.  Life has a way of presenting obstacles as we try to get through the “to do” list.

I am sure you know what I mean.  We have great intentions of doing something and get sidetracked, sometimes kidnapped.

As I type this I’m watching CNN and seeing the heartbreaking video from Puerto Rico.  Nine days since the hurricane and people are getting more and more desperate.  Water, medicine and food are in scarce supply.  There is no power. Line ups for gas are hours and hours long.  Two weeks ago, these folks were going about their day, just are we are doing.  Today, they are struggling to survive.

This is happening in places around the US, Mexico and around the world.  People just like us, faced with incredible hardship and challenge.  The power of our prayers is needed more than ever before.

But, even in the midst of all this sadness and I am seeing smiling faces on the screen.  Yes, there is a great deal of pain and frustration, but there is this message: “We have no food, but we have our life!  We have hope!”  One elderly woman whose home was devastated is being cared for by neighbours.  People are reaching out, sharing what they have.  There is much gratitude, even in the face of such life changing circumstances.

This holds a lesson for us.  Our challenges are valid too.  We may not be hit with a hurricane but there are many ways life can throw wrenches in our plans.  We can get paralyzed by fear and doubt.  It can sap every bit of happiness and leave us drained and sad.

Try this.  Ignore the worry.  Ignore the what ifs.  Close the door on fearful thoughts.  Just refuse to entertain them.  Instead turn your thoughts to the blessings you have, the love around you, the support in your life.  Think happy things.  Read uplifting books.  Watch funny movies.  It is okay to laugh even when there are problems.  This is a way to solving them, believe it or not.

As we focus on good and trust that answers are coming, things reframe.  And, as we bring an attitude of joy and lightness, it affects everyone around us.

Be a transformer:  Pray for those in need.  Share what you have.  Refuse to entertain worry and fear.  Know that you never walk alone.  On this feast day of St. Michael and All Angels on the church calendar, we are reminded that we have very busy helpers working on our behalf.  Let them do the heavy lifting and do something that will lighten your heart.

Blessings,
+Deb