Feb 10, 2019

Yes. I know. It has been about 6 weeks since I posted.  In that time I sprained my ankle pretty severely and the whole family came down with a horrible respiratory virus.  And I lost my keys.  Not the nicest beginning to 2019.

It is clear that I was being told to slow down and stay put for a while, and it has been a time of quiet and self-reflection.  And a lot of tylenol and tissues.

Now that I am feeling better, I have to put it all in perspective.  In the grand scheme of things, I really have nothing to complain about.  I have a warm, cozy house.  I have a loving and supportive family and group of friends.  In that horrible bitter cold snap, we had heat, lights and food.  I am so grateful.

Yes, I got upset and depressed at times. It is normal to throw a pity party every once in a while.  But then I turn on the tv and see what others are dealing with – homelessness in deadly temperatures, families hitting food banks in record numbers, threats to social safety nets, natural disasters…  I have nothing to complain about.  Really.

I am grateful.  I am strong.  God is good.

It is important to count our blessings each and every day, several times in the day.  Truly, most of us have much for which to give thanks.  In the challenges, in the tough times, in the moments when we feel lost and afraid we need only to look for that one good thing that we can hang onto like an anchor in the storm.  What –or who– is that anchor for you?

As people of faith, we do have an anchor and we do have the understanding that we are safe even in the storms of our life.  We reach out to Creator.  We remember Jesus in the boat, sleeping and awakening to stretch out his hands to calm the raging storm.  He will calm the storms of our life too.

Yeah, the past few weeks have been really miserable at times.  But Jesus has been in the boat with me.  He’s in the boat with you too.

You are safe.  You are surrounded by holy angels.  You are upheld by our loving and compassionate God.

It helps me to know that even in the midst of the storm, I am not alone. Neither are you.

You are a beloved child of God.

Things will happen.  Storms will stir up.  It will pass, you will move forward, and hopefully, you will do so with the understanding that in every moment, Jesus is there with you.  He will stretch out his arms to still the storm.  He will stretch out his arms to embrace you.  He will stretch out his arms to show you the way forward.

A friend says “All was well, and all is well and all will be well.”  May we know this truth today.

Need some inspiration? Here is a link to today’s worship service on blogtalkradio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/spiritofloveradio/2019/02/10/sunday-worship-with-the-community-catholic-church–feb-10

Have a great day, everyone.
Peace
Deb