March 19, 2006
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Life on the mountain top
Last week when we went to church our usual priest was back. We’ve had visiting priests for awhile now. I really like Father Joe though. He is Philippine. He has quite a strong accent and we sometimes have to work very hard to understand him. Our last priest (also a Father Joe… hmmm) was Vietnamese and VERY hard to understand. Because of this, I have learned to listen very closely and to focus on the message rather than the messenger.
The homily last week was very moving. Father always gives strong homilies, even if we have to work to understand them. He discussed how like the disciples we all have events that transfigure us. Mountaintop experiences. He challenged us to examine these experiences. He then reminded us that not all of our experiences were Mountaintop transfiguring experiences but that life is lived on a variety of levels. The hills of monotony, where we go to work every day, have dinner, clean house, take care of the regular day to day needs. The Valleys of disappointment, despair and tragedy, where we deal with the circumstances that exist in our life, good and bad. and the Plains of quiet reflection, solitude, prayer and meditation. He encouraged us to live on all the levels, not just looking for mountaintop experiences, but recognize that time spent on all the other planes allows us to achieve those mountaintop experiences.
I am not doing his words justice, but I have been thinking about them this week. In one of my classes we have been discussing the concept of peace. It goes deeper than that though, we are looking not just at the absence of violence, but the presence of social justice. It’s deep stuff. I guess that’s why I’m not in a very funny mood right now. Instead I feel kind of retrospective.
I also found out a good friend is struggling with a variety of difficult problems, health, family and emotional. I wish I could do more than I am, and will have to consider how to accomplish that. My sister too is struggling with relationships and doing the single mom thing. Hubby was gone for a year and I almost lost it. I don’t know how my friend and my sister are hanging in there. I wish them only good things. How do you help those that you are far away from? Let them know you are there and you care. Long distance support is nice, but when it comes down to it, you just want someone to take you out for ice cream and coffee and escape for awhile. Well, I do. What do you guys think? Any good suggestions out there?
Comments (9)
I agree with you about the long distance thing.. it’s very difficult. My sister and I live 2 minutes from each other and it’s nice. Especially now that our mom won’t talk to us any more.. she’s elderly and has many mental issues.. she thinks everyone is wrong.
sigh.. I will pray for your sister and friend.. take care.
Prayers to you and those you are worried about.. Being far away from loved ones sucks! When I was growing up all my loved ones lived close, cause we never moved, so it was easy to lend support when needed. The military life muddies things a wee bit huh? More people to love and more miles to travel. *sending you a virtual coffee..and what the hell, a cigarette too!*
Maybe you can send them each a cold stone gift certicate and have ice cream on the same day and same time. It is like you are having ice cream together. Also letting them now you are praying, is huge. That always helped me, when I was going through junk. That some one else was praying too, when I just did not have it me to pray.
hI
i will say a pray for your friend and sister hopefully it will get better for them soon. Ya can always send them something in the mail like maybe flowers to cheer them up or a gift basket to let them know your thinking of them.
hehe…that IS a church in NM!!! Downtown Alb to be exact!
RYC MAYBE RENTING A POP_UP WOULDN”T BE TOO ROUGH: BUT A GOOD HOTEL WITH CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST IS BETTERcongrats on finishing up classes. YAY for you.
Thanks for keeping in touch with me
You say you didn’t do Father Joe’s words justice, but since I wasn’t there, I found your summary to be quite touching just the same. Really, that is such a nice reminder – to live in all of life’s planes. Nice food for thought.
I haven’t read many entries, but must say right off that my heart goes out to you and all the military wives out there who make it work – I cannot even imagine. Of course it is understandable that an actual TANGIBLE support person be available sometimes. Friends (and family!) are so very important. You need them both. Thoughts and prayers with you and your loved ones who also are facing some trials right now. And there are some situations in life that all the advice in the world cannot fix – hang in there.
Saying a prayer for your sister and friend. I think a nice card, with or without a gift card like mentioned above, would be one way of lending support. Or how about a totally unexpected gift, like sending them a care package? It can be little inexpensive things, but if it comes from the heart, and shows that you put care into choosing things that would make them smile, I think it would be a good lift! Or a phone call when they aren’t expecting it. Or even an e-card.
Dear sis, you have no idea how just the mere act of talking with you as frustration and uncertaintity overwhelmed me gave me peace and strength to continue as I am , and also faith in the fact that I am a good mom and living life at its fullest potential. I am moved you consider me in your thoughts and am helped by father joes words through you….Know I am a tough old broad and hanging in there, with your love I can do nothing else……your sis…Alli