hello sunshine
p a x
On Sunday I took a nap in the sunshine. It was glorious.
This past week the weather has been surprisingly beautiful, highs in the 60s and 70s, and bright and beautiful sunshine all around. You'd never know there was 2 feet of snow piled up beside my car two weeks ago. Yesterday afternoon I opened all the windows and blinds in the apartment and let in the fresh air. I finally found time for a nap... The sun was shining right into my bedroom, and so I moved my pillow to the foot of the bed and rested in the warmth of the sun. It was wonderful, peaceful.... and I woke up smiling.
I headed into the kitchen thinking that I'd marinate some chicken for dinner this week, but then realized that I was missing some ingredients. The Dodge City version of Kroger is just a 5 minute walk away, so I wrote my little list and headed outside. Again, glorious. I know that there's a cold front moving in this week, but I was very thankful for this taste of spring. I'm also thankful for the peaceful moments of the day... the nap, the walk, the laughter of our 8th grade youth group meeting, the parishioners I spoke with after Mass this weekend... all of it. Although it was hard for the day to end, I'm thankful for the moments. It was a boost as I head into what is bound to be one of the busiest weeks thus far.
The longer I'm here, the more I learn about myself. Living on my own for the first time has been a learning experience... I feel like this move and the new job have opened my eyes in many different ways. This weekend I realized that I get my energy from being with other people.... I'm much more a "people person" than I used to be. While I still appreciate the "down time" at home alone, my spirit is fed by being with the people. A year ago I'm not sure I would have thought this about myself.
I'm flying to PA on Sunday to attend the Theology of the Body Institute to take a class from Christopher West. To say I'm "so excited" would probably be the understatement of the year. It's really hard for me to put into words how thrilled I am to have the opportunity to learn from the man that inspired me, and thousands of others, to delve deeper into Pope John Paul II's teachings. I feel like this is one of those hallmark moments in my formation... who knows where this will lead?
There's a lot to do at home and the office before leaving for Philly. I'm really hoping to find time for it all... Our parish is getting ready for Lenten Small Group Studies, and I'm overseeing the organization of it all. It's neat to see things coming together, seeing people step up and lead, parishioners building community, etc... Next year I'll probably have a better grasp on how these things work... I'm still in learning mode, so I need to remember to be patient with myself.
I have a lot to be excited about and thankful for. Even in the stressful moments, I still feel like I have my dream job at 25 years of age. The things I'm learning, the people I'm connecting with, the experiences I'm absorbing... all of these things are beautiful rays of sunshine on the journey that I'm just soaking in. The temptation sometimes is to get caught up with the "busyness" of the week and forget that this is ministry, this is what I've been called to do.
I feel like Lent is going to be a good time for me to slow down and focus on the moment.... Focus on Who called me here in the first place. My best efforts are meaningless if I do not first put myself and my work in His hands. I learned (and am still learning) that I can do nothing on my own. Tried it before, and it really doesn't work so well... :)
Bedtime is coming early tonight.... I didn't sleep so well last night, which was kind of surprising. I think I got a grand total of 2.5hrs of sleep. The only reason I was able to function at work was my coffee from McD's and a vanilla Coke Zero in the afternoon.... and Jesus of course ;) I think I'll pass out on the pillow before too long.
Life is good. Actually, life is great. There are moments when I can tell that the Son is shining around me, that His plans for my life are more perfect than what I could have ever imagined for myself. His love is warm and inviting, His compassion is bright and beautiful. Even when the clouds roll in, His light will break through.
As a parishioner wrote me in an email.... "Enjoy the 'Son'shine". :)
be at peace
walk on water
be not afraid
d*
Jesus en ti confio
On Sunday I took a nap in the sunshine. It was glorious.
This past week the weather has been surprisingly beautiful, highs in the 60s and 70s, and bright and beautiful sunshine all around. You'd never know there was 2 feet of snow piled up beside my car two weeks ago. Yesterday afternoon I opened all the windows and blinds in the apartment and let in the fresh air. I finally found time for a nap... The sun was shining right into my bedroom, and so I moved my pillow to the foot of the bed and rested in the warmth of the sun. It was wonderful, peaceful.... and I woke up smiling.
I headed into the kitchen thinking that I'd marinate some chicken for dinner this week, but then realized that I was missing some ingredients. The Dodge City version of Kroger is just a 5 minute walk away, so I wrote my little list and headed outside. Again, glorious. I know that there's a cold front moving in this week, but I was very thankful for this taste of spring. I'm also thankful for the peaceful moments of the day... the nap, the walk, the laughter of our 8th grade youth group meeting, the parishioners I spoke with after Mass this weekend... all of it. Although it was hard for the day to end, I'm thankful for the moments. It was a boost as I head into what is bound to be one of the busiest weeks thus far.
The longer I'm here, the more I learn about myself. Living on my own for the first time has been a learning experience... I feel like this move and the new job have opened my eyes in many different ways. This weekend I realized that I get my energy from being with other people.... I'm much more a "people person" than I used to be. While I still appreciate the "down time" at home alone, my spirit is fed by being with the people. A year ago I'm not sure I would have thought this about myself.
I'm flying to PA on Sunday to attend the Theology of the Body Institute to take a class from Christopher West. To say I'm "so excited" would probably be the understatement of the year. It's really hard for me to put into words how thrilled I am to have the opportunity to learn from the man that inspired me, and thousands of others, to delve deeper into Pope John Paul II's teachings. I feel like this is one of those hallmark moments in my formation... who knows where this will lead?
There's a lot to do at home and the office before leaving for Philly. I'm really hoping to find time for it all... Our parish is getting ready for Lenten Small Group Studies, and I'm overseeing the organization of it all. It's neat to see things coming together, seeing people step up and lead, parishioners building community, etc... Next year I'll probably have a better grasp on how these things work... I'm still in learning mode, so I need to remember to be patient with myself.
I have a lot to be excited about and thankful for. Even in the stressful moments, I still feel like I have my dream job at 25 years of age. The things I'm learning, the people I'm connecting with, the experiences I'm absorbing... all of these things are beautiful rays of sunshine on the journey that I'm just soaking in. The temptation sometimes is to get caught up with the "busyness" of the week and forget that this is ministry, this is what I've been called to do.
I feel like Lent is going to be a good time for me to slow down and focus on the moment.... Focus on Who called me here in the first place. My best efforts are meaningless if I do not first put myself and my work in His hands. I learned (and am still learning) that I can do nothing on my own. Tried it before, and it really doesn't work so well... :)
Bedtime is coming early tonight.... I didn't sleep so well last night, which was kind of surprising. I think I got a grand total of 2.5hrs of sleep. The only reason I was able to function at work was my coffee from McD's and a vanilla Coke Zero in the afternoon.... and Jesus of course ;) I think I'll pass out on the pillow before too long.
Life is good. Actually, life is great. There are moments when I can tell that the Son is shining around me, that His plans for my life are more perfect than what I could have ever imagined for myself. His love is warm and inviting, His compassion is bright and beautiful. Even when the clouds roll in, His light will break through.
As a parishioner wrote me in an email.... "Enjoy the 'Son'shine". :)
be at peace
walk on water
be not afraid
d*
Jesus en ti confio