Does it REALLY matter?

 A family is a risky venture, because the greater the love, the greater the loss. . . . 

That’s the trade-off. But I’ll take it all. –Brad Pitt


In our modern world, a family can take many different forms. What was once “traditionally” defined as a mother, father and 2.2 children is now much, much more. The intricate, colorful tapestry we weave with our lives becomes bolder and more brilliant, at once unique and diverse—and constantly changing.

The cycle is remarkable, if we think about it. We come in to the world helpless and hungry, wriggling and wailing, completely dependent on a grownup for—well, for everything. Left to their own devices, infants don’t stand a chance. What matters? Love matters, because loving leads to caring.

As that infant begins to grow, to change and spread her wings, her mantra becomes I can do it myself! Trials, successes—and failures—are daily occurrences. What matters? Love matters, love enough to let that child learn and grow (and fail), and move forward through Those Years and into adulthood.

Over the years, the roles change. Child becomes caregiver as his aging parents lead less and need more. Busy schedules make it challenging, sometimes, for the child to make time for visits or phone calls. Children of our own make us reflect on who we are as adult children. And so it goes. . . .

But one thing never changes. No matter who is caring for whom, Love matters. Love, in a tender touch, a phone call, a caring note or unscheduled visit. When the parent is no longer with us, the memories of Love go on forever. Love never ends.

Does someone you know need your loving presence today?


Monday Reflect today on who you are and how you live as an adult child. Perhaps your parents are no longer with us. Who in your life do you turn to? I Corinthians 13:11

Tuesday Do you have children of your own? Are you a parental figure to someone—or many? Reflect on where you allow God to lead in these relationships. Ephesians 6:1-4

Wednesday As you go through your day, observe. Look into the faces of those you meet or pass. Offer a smile or kind word. Philippians 2:14-16

Thursday St. Thomas, after Jesus was crucified, traveled to India. He chose to offer Christ as he went (even as he was ultimately martyred for his faith). Today, wherever you are, offer Christ. 1 Peter 1:17

Friday Set aside space today for silence. Try to eliminate as many distractions as you can stand to eliminate. Allow yourself to simply be. Journal if you wish. Malachi 4:17-18

Saturday Pause today and reflect on where the week has been challenging. Pray for guidance and to return to the Way as we move closer to the cross. Mark 1:15

Sunday As our journey draws nearer to Holy Week, our hearts may be struck by the contrasts of life and death. Allow your heart to experience the Christ victorious—and the Christ seemingly defeated. John 19:25-27

 

Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in. –Robert Frost

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stepping back. . . .

Image
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and with a calm spirit.  Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever,  even if your whole world seems upset.  –St. Francis de Sales This week, I invite you to simply sit in a quiet space with words of hope and promise, and to remember, as Julian of Norwich knew, that all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well . It has been a long, difficult season. Advent and the coming of the Christ is just around the corner. Peace and comfort to your spirit. Monday   “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” Matthew 11:28-30 Tuesday  “Is this not the kind of fast I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6-9 Wednesday  “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the
Read more

It's that time again. . . .

When the seasons shift, even the subtle beginning, the scent of a promised changed, I feel something stir inside me. Hopefulness? Gratitude? Openness?  Whatever it is,  it’s welcome. –Kristin Armstrong No matter what part of the world you call home, this time of year brings big changes. While my friends Down Under are watching sings of new growth emerge from the earth as temperatures rise, here in Ohio, the leaves are turning from green to gold and orange, red and brown. The winds have taken on a chill; clouds hang heavy, like soggy cotton, reminding us that soon and very soon, we are going to see the snow . Always different, yet somehow, the same. We depend on God’s eternal ways, and trust that again this year, winter will follow autumn, just like it should. So why is it, as we anticipate and appreciate changes like these, when it comes to so many things in life we pull up short, wrinkle our noses and say No! No change! I like things just the way they are! It’s t
Read more

Starting again

“This, then, is how you should pray:" --Matthew 6:9a I have been really sensing lately that there is another blog inside me, one focused on prayer.  Oh, I know-- those elephants are all about prayer. Heck, they  are  prayer. And I will continue there, as well. But what I've been feeling is that people-- maybe you--  have always been told, "You should pray," or "Pray about that." But maybe you feel your prayers aren't "good enough," or that it's just too hard, too embarrassing, too [fill in the blank] to pray. Maybe it feels like no one really talks about how  to pray-- except, of course, for Jesus, in Matthew 6 and a couple parallel passages where we are given what's come to be known as The Lord's Prayer. And it is a great prayer. And there are other great prayers, and other ways to pray that do not involve rote. So "my plan" here is to share, hopefully on a weekly or semi-regular basis, a lot of
Read more