This week I have been looking at the idea of perfect joy. St. Francis expressed that when we have been deprived of everything in life, pure joy comes in realizing what we are provided and the value it has every day. Now, this is a great simplification, but it does get to the core of something pure... without any influence of another emotion... at its core. Pure joy. What barriers do we build around our hearts that prevent us from holding the world in pure joy every day? Is it defense mechanisms that begin to determine who we are? Have we become so protective that we don't relish the joy of daily living?
Having three small boys, I can attest that there is joy even in the simple and mundane. How many times have they laughed at something I thought was just stupid? I can't count. The point is, the children in our lives experience joy as almost a daily and moment by moment event in their lives. Where did we forget that?
I pray you find perfect joy in your day and in the days to come.
Peace all,
Pat
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
out of fear
To all who are returning to work today feeling the weight of last week's tragedies... A prayer.
Great Creator, I want to thank you for this day, but I am mourning and afraid. The loss of so many small souls is breaking my heart and at such a wonder filled time of the year, I cannot imagine why they had to die. I too am filled with remorse for the boy who hurt so badly inside he had to take these lives, and I am so angry with a world where this can happen. I ask why, and cannot hear the answer, so I pray for patients and understanding.
While I wait for an answer, I pray that today, as I look at the faces of those before me, may I see the whole person there? The love, the kindness, the pain and hurt, the soul that shines with the divine essence that each of us share. I pray that I may be present with each person, if but for a moment, so that I may relieve their pain, grow their courage and self-esteem and help them see that they are beautiful, wonderful and loved.
Oh Great One, who knows all, keep me aware of your presence. Hold my hand and lift me so that I may have the love and courage to be a light to others today and always. Grant me peace that I may carry an open heart with others and not build walls of fear. And give me the grace not to pass judgment on those whom I fear, that I may turn their hearts and keep them from harm too. Give me strength to imagine a better world and the courage to help build it.
Please make it so.
Great Creator, I want to thank you for this day, but I am mourning and afraid. The loss of so many small souls is breaking my heart and at such a wonder filled time of the year, I cannot imagine why they had to die. I too am filled with remorse for the boy who hurt so badly inside he had to take these lives, and I am so angry with a world where this can happen. I ask why, and cannot hear the answer, so I pray for patients and understanding.
While I wait for an answer, I pray that today, as I look at the faces of those before me, may I see the whole person there? The love, the kindness, the pain and hurt, the soul that shines with the divine essence that each of us share. I pray that I may be present with each person, if but for a moment, so that I may relieve their pain, grow their courage and self-esteem and help them see that they are beautiful, wonderful and loved.
Oh Great One, who knows all, keep me aware of your presence. Hold my hand and lift me so that I may have the love and courage to be a light to others today and always. Grant me peace that I may carry an open heart with others and not build walls of fear. And give me the grace not to pass judgment on those whom I fear, that I may turn their hearts and keep them from harm too. Give me strength to imagine a better world and the courage to help build it.
Please make it so.
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