Siblings

Our son and our daughter have sibling birds. While we do not know the sex of these birds, nor do we know which bird was born on January 26 and which on January 27 - these siblings demonstrate to us characteristics that I would ascribe to male/ female and older/younger.

Zooey belongs to my son. We call her female - we assume she is older. She is 'refined'. She carefully preens her feathers, love to take baths and has a 'bossy' personality. She is cautious and shy in new situations.

Tiki, belongs to my daughter. He is such a 'boy'. Bathing is only done under extreme circumstances and only when he can make a mess. He eats food laying on his back and drips grape juice or seed cases all over himself. He is bold and ready for adventure.

These sibling teach us a great deal about ourselves.  While so often when two people look alike and have been raised by the same family we expect them to be the same. As with Tiki and Zooey, sometimes this is farthest from the truth.

The Other Sermon

Today is Christmas Eve and for me, it is the most wonderful night of the year.

 

For weeks we prepare with children and families to present the story of Christ's birth to our parish. 

 

Following the presentation our wonderful parish priest spoke with the children about the experience. I sat among the children, my husband in the sanctuary because he was helping with Mass and my own children sat in the pews. 

 

It would seem that my husband was displeased with the distracted behaviour of our children. At dinner this is what they told us:

 

There was a little voice some rows behind my children - a child in the pews, who offered her own wise responses to the Christmas Homily queries. 

When the priest asked about what we were celebrating she answered 'SNOW!" (multiple times) .  When talking about celebrating and food she was very enthusiastic about "MEATBALLS" and "Pizza".  Apparently she answered all queries in her own unique way.  My children said her Homily was the funniest.

Turbo Charged

Angels.
This word brings to mind a light, delicate being, floating among the clouds.
Today, as we practiced for our Christmas Mass, 'turbo angel' made her presence known.

It would seem that her little feet could do nothing but run down the aisle to her destination. Through her quick movements, it is true that it would seem this angel's feet never did really touch the ground.

Overkill

I love to learn.
Currently I am taking a course through Ryerson on Food Security and it is exam time.

Our exam this time consisted of two questions to be answered separately but handed in together.
I goofed.
I handed in one part and clicked send before attaching my second response. When I tried to add the second part, I was blocked.  So I tried again, to no avail. Remembering that Einstein said "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." I tried sending the paper via College email.  Then I sent it again through personal email.


When handing in papers, I always hope for the best, but my goal is only 50%. My average in the class is about 40% higher than my goal.  My daughter relished that if the paper was not accepted because I did not hand it in properly, I would not reach my goal.


To her disappointment, when I checked email the next morning, I received an email from the instructor telling me to relax.  He had received all four copies of my assignment.

  

Being There

Sometimes, I am drawn inexplicably to a situation, knowing that I need to be there, but not understanding why.

Such was the case today, when I knew that I should attend a Mass celebrating the life of St. Francis Xavier. It was a mild evening, so I walked to the Church. There I saw many people I knew and some I did not.
Although I sat alone, I celebrated, sang and prayed with those who were gathered.

After Mass, that voice, the one I know as Christ, advised me to remain in the Church while others gathered for festivities in another area. Quiet and immersed in the stillness of His presence, I heard Him direct me to the back of the church.

I followed the directive and there met a priest whose name I did not know.  We chatted and in that exchange, I learned why I was there. We shared a common heritage and connected quickly on this count. We also shared a common Catholic heritage and spoke in terms familiar to us, but perhaps not familiar to others, as I allowed my inner voice to speak. I know that what I said lightened his burden. When we parted I knew that I had done my job.

I left the church, walking home in the gently falling snow, filled with the knowledge that when I let Him lead, He always shows me the right path.

Mommy Call

 My girls needed their mommy tonight.

Each for different reasons, but both due to 'relationship' concerns. I spent at least an hour cuddling and chatting with a very teary daughter.

This evening was a blessing.  A chance to share space with my child.  A chance to express love. a chance to 'be there'.

God is like that. He is the Parent who is there, beside me every day, at all times, showing me in so many ways His love.