WHEN LIFE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE WE EXPECTED

Heavy sleet, snow and ice covered morning in New England today. Daffodils froze as the snow changed to freezing rain and then finally settled on a raw downpour. It was hard to wake, to venture out, to feel joy in the face of such surroundings. I wonder. Do our spirits feel the same at times?

We long for our sunny days, warmth, beaches drenched by bright blue skies.

 How do we respond when life doesn't look like we expected? I withdraw, I get a little bitter, maybe grumbling about the day, the weather, how it is fit, "for neither man nor beast." And yet here we are, called to live and love despite our circumstances, despite, even, the weather of our heart.

What door will open in what may be the dreary season? What light lies ahead if we trust and simply put one foot in front of the other as we maybe put on some rain boots as well!

Medicine from Sacred Scripture:

"You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light." 

Psalm 18:28

BREAKFAST WITH JESUS

In our family we celebrate birthdays with baked doughnuts; it begins hours before daylight with yeast, flour, fresh nutmeg, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, salt and a whole lot of love. There is something so precious about someone making you breakfast; my husband's specialty is omelettes, Jesus appears offering fish and bread.

"Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples didn't realize that it was Jesus. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast," 
John 21:4, 9, 12.

I am surprised when I contemplate this scripture that I am walking the beach, collecting seashells and little pure white rocks, but I do not stop and go when I hear my name. "Come, My child, I've made you breakfast. Stop striving and searching so hard, come and take a break. Fast from your ways and try My ways, I will show you what's next, there's no need to lean on your own understanding, find your own way, let me teach you My ways, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Let me refresh your soul; I'll feed you with the finest wheat, only come to Me and rest. I cannot resist the One my heart loves and so I turn my steps towards the One who knows my weary soul and offers to feed me.  I go to the fire and He holds me, whispering in my ear, "I love you, you, do not be afraid." Come, child, and have breakfast. I accept the gift of a love prepared for me.

Imagine the tenderness of God in stooping so low that He prepares a meal, a picnic at the beach. Sit with Him today and let His love and kindness nourish your soul.

Father, thank you that you sent Your Son to save and to serve, to give His life as a ransom, to wrap Himself in light and love and an apron. Give me eyes to see how You are here, near to me. 

Sacred Scripture:

"Jesus said to them, 'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.
 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, 
and you will find rest for your souls. 
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." 
Matthew 11:28-30