Mycelium

Mushrooms again.

In ths season they are popping up everywhere. The tiny upshoots of a hidden network of mycelium, each mushroom in this image is connected.

We are also connected.  To each other, to the universe, to God.
Like these mushrooms are borne of an unseen force, we too are part of an unseen force that links us all together.

You, me, person next door, even people on the other side of this world - we are all one in God's family. No matter the colour of our eyes, gender, or race, beneath the skin of each of us lies a heart that belongs to the Creator.

Seek the heart of God that beats in everyone you interact with.  Recognise God and treat everyone with dignity because that person is God himself, here to great you.

Michaelmas

Today is Michaelmas, or the feast of the Archangel Michael.  Fittingly the Michaelmas daisies are set to bloom.
St. Michael, known as the protector, is called upon to help in times of need. Pray with me to this archangel, today and everyday for the protection of our Catholic faith and all of the faithful.

Tangled Garden

As summer fades and the demands of 'regular life' limit time to tend the garden, weeds take over, flower heads go to seed and excess foliage blocks the autumn blooms.

For some, the tangled remains in a fall garden is a reflection of the tangled remains of a faith neglected. Distracted by the demands of twenty-first century life, many people fail to nurture the Spirit.

But, with a little time, well spent with God, He will respond to prayers and restore the garden our your soul.

The Four Agreements

from Don Miguel Ángel Ruiz

Slipping

There are times when what was once considered stable, begins to feel like it is slipping away.

The faith community that I am part of has recently experienced a change in leadership.

In the past weeks, I have noted a decline in attendance and a decline in funds collected. While this is sad, we need to acknowledge that change is inevitable. People will come and go.  This could be a mere coincidence and not a sign of things to come.

However, should this trend continue in a downward slide, the result might be a bigger and more devastating change - the closure of a well-love and historical worship site. Considering the age of the building, the state of disrepair from neglectful leadership in the past and the costs to make these much needed repairs, could it be that this change in leadership was deliberate, with the intent of seeing our doors close forever?

Rock On

I love rocks.

Where I live the rocks are old, existing millions of years.

Warmed by sun, cooled by ice and snow, worn by weather and yet, like my God they are still here.

Imagine, if these rocks could talk what stories they could tell of the journeys that have crossed over them.

And again, like my God, they are ever present, peaceful and comforting.

Education

I had dinner today with my daughter, her boyfriend and my son.   We were celebrating a milestone birthday.

At one point the conversation turned to the the multitude of educational pursuit around the table.  Happily, recognizing my unending love of learning, I too was invited to share my views about the classes that I am enrolled in.

It felt great to be part of the privileged few in our society who can learn and expand the horizons of their universe.

Thank you Creator for the gift of a curious mind and the means to satisfy that curiosity.

Coffee Break

Today I listened to some music from the soundtrack of the musical "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying".

The words of the tune "Coffee Break" stuck with me.

"If I can't take my coffee break, 
Something within me dies. 
Lies down and something within me dies. " 

These words drew me into an endless query of the needs of our society for a quick fix.  That caffeine would provoke such desperation is a sign of our times. 

Used to relieve fatigue, to celebrate, to grieve, or as friend to break the daily routine, the casual cup of coffee has been replaced with a latte, expresso, cappuccino or macchiatto. 

To watch the morning crowd at a local coffee shop one can quickly draw conclusions about the truth in these lyrics.  The reality however, is likely the opposite - without the caffeine fix perhaps we would learn to live more fully. 

Taller?

After six months away, a pair of siblings returned to the ice today.

As anyone with children will attest, young ones can grow a lot over the summer.

Noting that little brother had grown considerably taller than when i last taught him, I commented about this to his sister.

She replied, "No he is not taller, it is his helmet.  He has a big head."

To Help or Not to Help

Today was the first day of a new year of skating.

Among the six friends who came to skate with me today, I had a new friend.

New to skating, I took some time to show her dad how to tie her skates properly.

It is said that the hardest part of skating is the fall. I think the hardest part is getting up.

Within moments of standing on the ice, my new friend fell. I swooped in and demonstrated how to get up. She struggled. The ice was slippery under her skate blades and she was new to the feeling.

Eventually she 'found her feet' moved forward with a few tentative steps and then fell again. Again, I coached and coaxed and she rose to her feet. However, it was not long before she decided that she should lean on me to get up. I discouraged this and stood a distance away to encourage her to get up. I celebrated her successes each time she rose to her feet unaided.

About 30 minutes later, all 6 of my skaters were skating around a circle when this new friend fell again. Not wanting her to be 'in the way' I skated over to pick her up.  She stopped me saying, "No you are too close, I can't get up when you are too close." So I backed away and up she rose.

Congrats my friend, you learned two very important lessons today!

Praying

This morning, as with every Sunday morning, our little friends share their prayer intentions.

First to raise his hand, a little one asked to pray for Fr. Tony, our former pastor.
I extended the prayer to include our current pastors and all the ordained of our diocese who will be on retreat this week.

In a quiet little voice, I heard my friend respond, "No, just Fr. Tony."

Yes, we are still mourning.  We need time to adjust to the changes. We need time to remember.

As adults we can rationalize these things. It is harder to explain to a child why such change happens.

One this is certain, my little friend, while change is constant, God's love for each one of us remains strong. 

Judge Not

My God does not judge. Who am I to judge others?

The Father to us all, sees us as his children.  Our Parent, amused by our failings, encouraged by our attempts and infinite in His love.

Surely this loving God does not want me to judge.

Living but Maybe not Learning

 Meet Hanzi. 

He is one of my feathered friends.  He entered our family first as my mother's pet and now resides with us.  His first years were very quiet.  He sat, ate and sat again. Rarely did he fly.  Never did he get into mischief. 

This is Hanzi's handiwork.  He is steadily chewing at the perch of the swing that he prefers to rest upon.  Clearly he did not learn from the first perch that he chewed through.

While the saying goes 'live and learn', when this perch breaks - will he learn?

Fun-guys

 

As days grow shorter, nights are cooler and refreshing rains quench the summer-parched soil, creation displays yet another mystery. 

 Popular vocabulary often speaks of the mushroom in terms that indicate rapid and sudden growth. The truth is that these delicate beauties of nature may have been 'in the works' for years.

 Just below the surface lies a series of delicate root-like structures called mycelium .  While the exact mechanism is unknown, it is believed that when the mycelium is stressed, it sends its fruit to the surface to release spores in hope of continuing life.

I am constantly amazed by the rapid proliferation of fungi.  But, more amazing is the life cycle of this humble part of nature. To think that the same creator who put so much thought and effort into these unique delights, put even more effort into my creation and the gifts of those around me.

I am humbled.

From Beneath

A summer cosmos in midday sun, from beneath.

Too often we see things from only our point of view.  How often do you take the time to examine an issue, a thought or an object from another direction?

While this purple bloom with its cheery yellow center presents itself as beautiful compliment to my garden, it is its the underside, lit by the brilliant sun that shows the depth of creation in the gentle veins and contrasting shadows.

By limiting ourselves to a narrow, singled sided view point we are missing some of the many gifts that God gives to us.

Take time to see things with the eyes of wisdom, that can see from many sides and gain a greater appreciation for all that we have.

Harvest Time

When I think of all of the things that grow in my garden, the vegetable that I love to harvest is the potato.

In the spring I take a potato and put it in the ground. A little water, sun and TLC, and with the loving coaxing of God's hand, a little sprout appears like magic.

The abundant green and pretty white flowers above ground conceal the mystery beneath.  Only God knows the number and size of the produce below.

It seems to me, that potatoes from my garden taste just a little better than those bought at the market.

A little magic, a little mystery and a wonderful addition to any meal.

A New Friend

I was at the dentist's today.

Having finished with my cleaning I was in the waiting room while my daughter's check-up as completed. There also sat a young mom with two small children.

Naturally I commented on the gorgeous baby and sweet little girl. Then I thought I should turn my attention to the book in my hand.

The little one, however, had other plans.  She pointed to the painting behind me and 'quacked'.  The mother responded positively, agreeing that the image was that of a duck and that the duck said "quack."  Then little one put her hand on my leg, pointed to the duck and 'quacked' again. To me this was a clear invitation to put my book away and engage in conversation.

 The little one was 18 months old. We thumbed through a picture book and talked about the images.  We looked at things around the room and named them.  We looked a colours and numbers.

Then my daughter appeared.

"Of course YOU would be with a child."

She turned to the mother and stated, "My mother loves children. She'll do anything to be with them.  I am sure she would have had more children. I am her fifth."

Then back to me,

"Come on mom, leave the little girl alone. It's time to go."

Dutifully, I followed, giggling at her swift and accurate assessment.

The Tribute

They came.  Slowly at first, like early patrons to the theatre, a few took their places and then a few more.   The quiet din rose ever so slightly as more appeared.

With song, the initial acts encouraged more to enter. Spoken words of greeting and introduction met their ears.

By the time the main speaker took the stage a crowd had amassed. In reverent silence they listen to words from ancient texts.  As the speaker turned to his notes of reflection, the energy in the crowd was ripe with anticipation. Some knew the message to come and waited for the reaction.  Others waited for words to carry them to the next adventure. 

Slowly, assuredly his spoken words of inspiration filled the room.  As though beckoned by his voice, more joined the still audience.  His words poetically reflected on initial meetings, times spent together, plans made and plans completed.  He took time to remember the contributions of the many.  Then in honour of vows made, he spoke of the special milestones; moments of life, growth, celebration, despair and death.  As he recognized them, in turn they honoured him. 

They had come from all over.  They had come from ages past and more recent passings.  They were young. They were old.  Their numbers were great.  Al, Augusta, Fern, Celia, Evelyn, Victor, Vera, John, Edith, Mae, Ron, Joe, John, Liam, Rose, Vina, Alvin, Stephen, Irene, Virginia, Edgar, Philip, Roman, Nick, Elizabeth, Betty, Cristina, and more, attended in tribute to lives touch, and forever transformed by the gift present and speaking within those hallowed walls. 

All were very pleased.  They spoke with admiration.  They expressed gratitude and offered blessings. They reflected their love and the love of their God towards those present, but most especially towards their pastor.  Their conjoined energy was dazzlingly filled with light and love.

When his reflection was complete and the traditions continued they joined in angel song, praising and celebrating a gift well given.

Then, their tribute complete, they returned home, filled with gratitude and having filled the space with their love and faith.

Live long, live in His blessing, live in His love. Share His peace.

Another One Spreads Her Wings

I have five children.

My fourth child moved to residence at University for the first time today.

While with each transition of a child to post-secondary education I have cried, today was ever more difficult. She is still living in this community.  She is a ten minute drive or thirty minute walk from our home. The difficulty is that she is not living at home. She is just out of reach.

I have difficulty with transitions.  It is human to want everything to remain the same.

But it is God's will that each day presents itself with its challenges, joys and moments of peace.  He wants us all to have the riches that come with these experiences.  As I feel those emotions with tears and with pain, I know that all is, as it should be, exactly as my God has laid it out for me.

It is with gratitude to my Creator that I shed tears for this gift.