St. Francis had so much love - love for all people as well as all of God's creations, right down to the bugs that walk the earth. God is pure love, therefore, everything that God creates should be treated as such - and St. Francis never failed at it. Well, I guess that's one of the reasons that he's a saint and we are not yet there. We are urged to keep on trying. Look at things through the eyes of Christ, not the world. It certainly changes the outcome of our circumstances and God gives us the grace we need to get through whatever we are dealing with.
Being forced to shelter in place has allowed for all of us to awaken some of the things we thought had faded within us. Right? Think about it for a minute. What have you reconnected with over this past year? I know we miss gathering with friends and family and it pains me not to be able to embrace as we did before - not to mention the many precious lives lost - but, I'm not talking about the painful parts the pandemic has brought, I'm asking you to think about the positive changes that may have taken place to stir up our hope for a better tomorrow. Have you been able to change your attitude a bit? Do you find you have a little more compassion for others? Have you had the chance to give prayer another chance to be a part of your daily life? Do you appreciate a warm, sunny day a bit more or long for the way a flower blooms in spring? Are you thankful for being able to spend a little more quality time with your children? Can you feel God's presence when you call upon Him? Are you thankful to be able to gaze into the eyes of those you love? Is forgiveness on your heart? Try to surrender to the quiet, open your heart and be still and allow God's grace and wisdom to touch the depths of your soul. It brings peace.
My friend, Cindy gave me a beautiful book years back about St. Francis, the peacemaker. I reflect on one sentence that seems to stick with me. Since St. Francis is so on my mind at this writing, I'm going to repeat it ..."Can you dedicate one day in which you purchase nothing, go nowhere, lighten your footprints on this earth? This did not make Francis stark or severe. It blessed him with deep stillness, so he could hear the love song of the Holy One. The deeper the quietude he cultivated, the more the divine music resounded through his soul, echoing into every chamber of his life. Anyone who came into contact with him could hear it in the air all around him, like the hum of bees sometimes, at other times like a parade coming down fast from the mountain."
This is so beautiful - I find comfort in it and I hope you do as well. I hope and pray to see you again soon! We continue to pray for each other and for this world. Until we meet again, may God's holy angels keep you and yours surrounded in love, joy, peace and protection.
Send me a note if you feel moved. I'd love to hear from you!
God bless, Love & prayers,
Marge 😇💓
