It's the little things that some people do that end up being rather meaningful and leave speechless those of us that are on the receiving end. This kind of occurrence happens weekly around here, and at times daily.
One of the most jaw-dropping of these hit me tonight as I was packing for my mini-vaca. I opened my bedroom door and found a wonderful surprise that will make my trip a little less stressful. I was literally left with my jaw hitting the ground. If the sister behind it is reading this, you made my day, and answered my prayers.
It's one of those things that I am still in awe of. That people can be so generous and just plain nice because they want to be. It's always a reminder for me that I should strive to be that way too. Smile at someone, write a note, give a gift, just because you want to. There doesn't need to be a birthday, or a holiday, or a special occasion. Today is special, and so are the people around you.
"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer"
Proverbs 11:24
(Yes, I know this is a day late, and more than a week since my last post. Sorry for slackin'!)
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Slow.Down.
I was reminded this weekend that I need to slow down and not rush into things so quickly. Now I have already done so quite a bit since my time here, but maybe I am the only one who realizes it. It might not be so noticeable if you are looking from the outside in. But, as with most things, I could do better. Since this weekend was so beautiful, I took some time to slow down and reflect.
Saturday morning Carrie, myself, and an oblate only 2 years older than us went kayaking off the peninsula. It.was.AWESOME! I had never been before. I tend not to be such an outdoors-y person, but I loved it. We met a sister and her friend there for breakfast, and then spent a little less than 2 hours out on the water, just exploring. It was very relaxing, and I got a great upper body workout, too. It was nice because I could really take in everything around me. You wouldn't ever see what we did unless you were out on a boat or something. It was beautiful and very reflective.
Yesterday was even more beautiful. After lunch Carrie and I went to a beach just a few minutes down the road and laid out for a few hours; listening to music, journaling, taking in the sun, even sticking my feet in a pretty cold Lake Erie! I'm pretty burnt, though. Paid for that a little with some chills last night. It was that deep reflection I got caught in!
Saturday morning Carrie, myself, and an oblate only 2 years older than us went kayaking off the peninsula. It.was.AWESOME! I had never been before. I tend not to be such an outdoors-y person, but I loved it. We met a sister and her friend there for breakfast, and then spent a little less than 2 hours out on the water, just exploring. It was very relaxing, and I got a great upper body workout, too. It was nice because I could really take in everything around me. You wouldn't ever see what we did unless you were out on a boat or something. It was beautiful and very reflective.
Yesterday was even more beautiful. After lunch Carrie and I went to a beach just a few minutes down the road and laid out for a few hours; listening to music, journaling, taking in the sun, even sticking my feet in a pretty cold Lake Erie! I'm pretty burnt, though. Paid for that a little with some chills last night. It was that deep reflection I got caught in!
Monday, May 14, 2012
L.O.V.E.
Yesterday was Mother's Day, and I think it was so fitting, and also no coincidence, that the readings and Gospel for the day were all about LOVE. The priest we had here at the Mount gave a great homily on how mothers have the greatest love of all. I'm going to extend that to include both mothers and fathers, grandparents, and anyone out there who plays a nurturing role whether they are actual parents or not.
Father talked about the difference between that "giddy" love that we all feel at times, and the love that is natural, that is there because you truly care about that person. It's not easy, but it's real. I, of course, felt that love all my life growing up. My parents never failed to tell me how much they loved me, and always showed it.
Here at the Mount, I have around 60 or so motherly figures that just radiate love. You can feel it when you walk into the monastery, when you share a meal, hang out, and spend time with individual sisters. You can hear it in their voices when they mention what little time I have left in the program, or ask me about my future. I can feel it in my meetings with my mentor and fearless leader. And it extends throughout the Benedictine community. Carrie and I each received a note from an oblate who lives in California. To know that people you've never even met can care so much about you is amazing. Thank you!
Love and understanding is the key to breaking through so much of the hate in this world. Who knows where we would be if this could ever become a worldwide reality.
Speaking of love, I traveled up to Dunkirk, NY Saturday morning to be with my parents and brother as they adopted a dog rescued from a kill shelter in another state. Her name is Kylie Marie, and she is adjusting well to her new home, family, and older doggie sister, 8 yr old Maisy. After a pretty rough first year of life, she finally found her forever home, and an absolutely loving one at that.
Father talked about the difference between that "giddy" love that we all feel at times, and the love that is natural, that is there because you truly care about that person. It's not easy, but it's real. I, of course, felt that love all my life growing up. My parents never failed to tell me how much they loved me, and always showed it.
Here at the Mount, I have around 60 or so motherly figures that just radiate love. You can feel it when you walk into the monastery, when you share a meal, hang out, and spend time with individual sisters. You can hear it in their voices when they mention what little time I have left in the program, or ask me about my future. I can feel it in my meetings with my mentor and fearless leader. And it extends throughout the Benedictine community. Carrie and I each received a note from an oblate who lives in California. To know that people you've never even met can care so much about you is amazing. Thank you!
Love and understanding is the key to breaking through so much of the hate in this world. Who knows where we would be if this could ever become a worldwide reality.
Speaking of love, I traveled up to Dunkirk, NY Saturday morning to be with my parents and brother as they adopted a dog rescued from a kill shelter in another state. Her name is Kylie Marie, and she is adjusting well to her new home, family, and older doggie sister, 8 yr old Maisy. After a pretty rough first year of life, she finally found her forever home, and an absolutely loving one at that.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Back to Normal
After over a month of feeling just plain...blah, I can confidently say that my mood has turned around. I'm not really sure if it was one specific thing that triggered this mini-meltdown (which at times was not so mini) or if it was a combination of many things that culminated into one big ball of stress. I'm pretty sure it was the latter. Anyhoo, it took a while, a lot of talking it over, praying, journaling, a few freak outs here and there, and I finally got a hold of my emotions. I'm learning what I have to do to deal with the stress that comes my way, and learning not to take it out on others.
A gigantic de-stresser for me is listening to music. And almost every time I turn on my iPod when I'm feeling a little down, the perfect song comes on with the lyrics I need to hear. A little sign from God letting me know everything is going to be just fine and work out, since at that moment it can sometimes seem as if the world is ending. I'm also hoping to make it to a meditation class one of these weekends. My co-worker told me about it. I could really use it (and it's free!). And I've decided that when I have a steady income once again, I'm signing up for yoga. One night a week devoted to me, since I unfortunately won't have the luxury of an entire reflection day on a regular basis anymore, and ballet classes are too expensive!
I'm beginning to see the next few months through the lens of positivity and possibility.
It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears and all the faults
You've left behind
And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again
'Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be
~The Cave
Mumford & Sons
A gigantic de-stresser for me is listening to music. And almost every time I turn on my iPod when I'm feeling a little down, the perfect song comes on with the lyrics I need to hear. A little sign from God letting me know everything is going to be just fine and work out, since at that moment it can sometimes seem as if the world is ending. I'm also hoping to make it to a meditation class one of these weekends. My co-worker told me about it. I could really use it (and it's free!). And I've decided that when I have a steady income once again, I'm signing up for yoga. One night a week devoted to me, since I unfortunately won't have the luxury of an entire reflection day on a regular basis anymore, and ballet classes are too expensive!
I'm beginning to see the next few months through the lens of positivity and possibility.
It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears and all the faults
You've left behind
And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again
'Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be
~The Cave
Mumford & Sons
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