 |
 |
Devotions Archive
Archive:
1999
|
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
2004
|
2005
|
2006
|
2007
|
2008
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
2012
|
2013
|
2014
|
2015
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
2019
|
2020
|
2021
|
2022
|
2023
|
2024
Shared thoughts on the passing of 2001Saturday, January 5, 2002
Psalm 100 * * * Frankly, I had forgotten the purpose of New Year Resolutions. For some time, I have assumed that the new year would bring what it brings, that I would just go with the flow, what will be will be. But 9-11-01 changed my behavior, both unconsciously and consciously. My wife pointed out that after 9-11-01, I cuddled with her more during the night in my sleep. I then noticed my tendency to recall and dwell on my memories of our family when we were younger, and even more recent times when I did things with each of them and when we all did things together. I did not become melancholy, but I became more aware. I realized that each wonderful event in my life was a fleeting moment, one that could not be relived, but only recalled. 9-11 did this for me. It allowed me to better appreciate the good times, the past good times, the present good times, and most importantly, the future good times. So that is my New Year's Resolution, to focus on the good times and to savor them. For the good times are God's blessings on us and we must acknowledge them and give each other and God our thanks for them. * * *
Remember that life* * * We stayed home this New Year's Eve. It has nothing to do with 9-11; we have not quit our normal routine, and we still fly. We had a lovely lobster dinner when I got home from work. My husband hurt his rib and went to bed early, around 10:00 P.M. I watched the Space Needle in all its glory on TV, (that's where we were last year), had 3 glasses of champagne and watched the fireworks go off around the island. Actually, it was pretty lively here. (And from her husband, accompanied by a photograph...) At 8:45 am Jan 1, the Queen of Fox Island took her annual polar bear plunge. As usual, no one joined her in the event. Happy New Year! * * * I'm growing by leaps and bounds in the fruit of the spirit. For that, I am both thankful to the Lord for what He did this year and am looking forward to what He will do next year. I would love to have a comfy desk working with files and coming out to talk to pleasant people from time to time. Being self directed as long as I got the job done. Cut the bureaucratic red tape. * * * My soul is a troubled arena where spirituality and "the wrong path" duel it out daily. However, the battle now seems more important; as it always should have been. I look at my son, the reason I believe in GOD in the first place, and realize that at 32 years old I should be farther along than I am. I know that I have a wonderful relationship with him and try my best to be a good father. I just think that I have been spinning my wheels for too long a time and it's time to solidify my dreams and future: if not only for me, but also for my son. * * * I am planning to lean more on God than those around me in 2002. * * *
Laugh often, long and loud. * * * My husband & I actually discussed New Year's resolutions and goals for 2002. Not bad after 17 years of marriage? He wanted world peace - I did not think it was something he & I could accomplish ourselves alone - too global. Then he wanted peace in our family - more attainable, but our kids would have to be part of the discussion, and it was just us having this conversation. Finally he stated, "I want peace between you and I." Bingo, a chewable chunck, a do-able deed. We stayed in on New Year's Eve - we always do. So we sat in front of the fire with Greg contemplating the future, and I doing the same, but in light of the past. We opened a bottle of bubbly wine early; we listened to music we had not listened to in years. I had sat in front of this fireplace and watched the flames by myself ALL week long; finally we were sitting down together in front of the fire. A fire is so primal - I imagine the first men and women doing the same on a bitter cold night. We decided to get up early the next day - our son had a paper to deliver on time & in good condition. We also accepted an invitation to respond to the Pope's plea for a day of prayer for peace in our war-torn world. A rosary would precede the Mass to honor Mary the Mother of God, and a potluck breakfast would follow after in the church hall. The rosary was inspirational. I had prayed it alone or with family members all my life. I prayed it daily with my family of origin for over 16 years! My husband noted that the rosary should be prayed in church aloud, not as a personal prayer said in solitude. As the voices of Christ's Body rose and fell in unison it filled the Church building with a Mantra that was a meditation like none I had experienced before! For just as group meditation has a more profound effect and heightens one's personal meditation - so too in group prayer. The celebration of the Mass that followed was also affected by the rosary we had said. The sermon was on the Pope's plea for Peace based on Justice and Forgiveness - profound thoughts. I remembered the previous Sunday's sermon by Dr. Susanne Nagel - a missionary from our parish to the Sudan in Africa that the parish helps support. She said what I already knew but would be afraid to speak: in order for peace to occur in the world, humans must realize ALL men are brothers and that Osama Bin Laden is our brother too. I told my husband I wanted us to begin to pray together daily, and he agreed. I can NOT think of any other more effective method to gain peace for him & I or the world - can you? HAPPY NEW YEAR! |
So many thoughts and experiences the past few days. Although these days do not this year commemorate the passing of a millennium, they are full of gratitude and promise, as are the twelve days of Christmas every year. What follows is a compilation of moments from the lives of several of God's kids. Enjoy...