Friday, December 26, 2008

This Tremendous Lover


This morning I had a run-in with authority in the guise of a friend. I was not prepared and had hoped I would meet a person who cared about me. However, this was not the case. I realise they have a job to do and would see me as a obstacle to discipline. Perhaps, perhaps not, yet I felt sad that this was all the communication we had.

I can feel sorry for myself, or I can look at the face of Christ. He meets us everyday with an open heart, inviting us to share in His love for us, to be part of who He is, Love itself.

And, how do we respond? How do we treat Him? Are we grateful for His interest and love for us?

Perhaps, perhaps not. We are human and imperfect and often fail to respond to love, even when we recognise and believe that we are loved. Yet, all is forgiven and each day we receive a chance to start again and respond to this Tremendous Lover!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Happy, Holy Christmas 2008


This is a little greeting to all out there, wishing you a happy, holy Christmas.

It would seem that being happy and being holy go very much together.

Maybe the answer is found in a love for truth. We are not created to suffer. We are created by One who loves us very much and cares for our happiness. God wishes us to be happy souls, so much so that He allowed His Son to be vulnerable on our account.


Christ has come into our world as a fragile, little baby, helpless and dependent on us, to respond to His love for us.
For anyone who truly loves another, the joy of love is tempered with pain. We become vulnerable when we love and open our hearts to others. This is what Christ does for us, each day, always.

He has made us a promise, "I will be with you, always..."

Today, Christmas day, the birth of Christ, would be a good day for us to promise to be with Him, always.

Keep God in your heart!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

KIND THOUGHTS

My friend was cold. It occurred to me to lend him warm socks. It was a kind thought and I responded. My friend became warm.
I passed a boy in the street. He was cold. He asked for money. The thought came to mind to treat him to a hot bowl of soup. I didn’t respond. The boy remained cold.
I was busy in work; very busy. A friend needed help; needed a listening ear. I responded. My friend regained peace of mind.

I was shopping. A coloured lady with a baby was selling magazines. It was a wet, cold day. I wondered about her, standing there. I gave a donation. She smiled.
I was worried, seeing problems everywhere. I passed by a Church. The thought came to go in. I did. I relaxed and I prayed. My troubles diminished. I found peace.
Kind thoughts are given to us, perhaps at every moment. We hear them and respond sometimes; sometimes not.
Kind thoughts are magical. When we respond, they change our lives, and our neighbours, for the better.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

BY INVITATION ONLY.

A little book, called the Imitation of Christ, contained a picture of the Good Shepherd knocking at a door that could only be opened from the inside. The door symbolised the soul.

Perhaps God is present in our lives, by invitation only. We have been given the gift of free choice, so God holds back, waiting for our invitation. His love for us has such tremendous respect for our free will.

We invite God into our lives by treating his Presence as we would a friend - talking to Him - asking His advice - sharing our joys and our sorrows with Him. God can be closer to us than the person we love most. God, being Love, is found in love.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

ALL IS WELL.


For those of us who may experience panic attacks at times, it’s a great thing to pause and pray, and say, ALL IS WELL. It can be as simple as that. All is well, and all our fabricated fears and worries disappear. All is well, and disturbed voices become quiet and calm. All is well, and sanity returns. All is well. and silence grows. Love chases fear away. All is well!


St Julian of Norich was in the habit of saying...
ALL IS WELL ALL IS LOVE!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

THE WHOLE TRUTH, SO HELP ME, GOD

It can be interesting to watch a film where a court-case is being portrayed. At least one person will be asked to place their hand on the Bible and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God.

Could I put my hand on the Bible and swear that all I have said and done, during the day, was the whole truth, so help me God? Could you? Not that we are liars or cheaters, but it can be so easy to ‘colour’ the truth, to tell things from our point of view, favouring ourselves. Perhaps we are not even aware when we do so.

To speak the truth, plainly, objectively, is the sign of a free person - free from prejudice and open to love. Perhaps that is the key - LOVE.
The truthful person is both loveable and loving, with no hidden agendas.
God is Truth, and Love. When we live a truthful life, we are enveloped in love and become like Him in whose image we are created.

Monday, November 10, 2008

THE FLAG

Although not a ‘follower’ as such, I couldn’t help being effected by Ireland when it took place in the World Cup. Flags and banners everywhere, on cars and windows and even in the hands of babies in their prams. Such a warm, excited and happy feeling by everyone, especially whenever we did well. Employers in general, facilitated employees so the games would not be missed. High enterprise took a back-seat and enjoyment came to the fore-front.
This, to me, is Irish spirit at its best. .
I know there has been a down-side when drink and over-high spirits have taken a negative turn, yet on the whole Ireland has proved itself a good competitor and a happy nation.
All we need is a goal and we can reach the sky!
Perhaps this also applies to our individual lives. When we are motivated and happy, we too can reach the stars. After all, God is on our side.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

QUIET TIME

The value of quiet time is self-evident. Just watch a mother with her child, holding, touching, looking… no words are necessary.

This quiet time is enveloped in love.

For most of us in our busy lives, we may forget the value of taking time out to appreciate those we love. No expensive presents are needed.

The gift we give is ourselves, our time, our interest.

In the spiritual life, we are invited to take time out, for ourselves.

To show appreciation for the gift of life, the uniqueness of our being, how special we are. Strangely enough, it’s only when we are loving, in giving and doing, that we learn to appreciate the value of our own uniqueness.

We are special, a once-off masterpiece, created by the Master himself.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

THE FACE OF GOD.

I was feeling a little low and out of sorts. Somehow the sunny side of life was absent. Then I met a friend.
He greeted me, warmly. He was interested and glad to see me. We spoke for a few minutes before parting.
However, I was and felt different. I was happy and able to see the sunny side of life, even without sunshine.
In a spiritual context, I had met the Face of God.
Perhaps this is true for most of us. We meet the presence of God in each other.

And, because God loves us infinitely, the effect of meeting Him in each other is powerful. We are lifted out of ourselves and united with Love.
This is the power of friendship, of being a good friend. We represent God’s love to each other, knowing we are loved and able to love.
When I see the Face of God in others, I can be sure they are seeing the Face of God in me.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

THE JOY OF LIVING.


Enjoy life NOW!

It occurred to me the other day how important it is to pray,
to make morning aspirations.

We probably all have different methods. For some of us it’s the traditional morning offering and morning prayers - an awareness of God’s presence and having an ‘alive’ relationship with Him.

Others may be drawn to positive affirmations, a method of abolishing all negative thoughts and worries.

Whatever method we like to use will be the one that opens us to a positive respect and appreciation for the joy of living.
It’s so easy to lose this appreciation for life. We know we must always have respect for others, yet often the person we may lack respect for is ourselves.
Do we begin the day in a mad rush to get somewhere? Have we no time to say hello - give or receive a hug - answer a question, politely - give way on the road?
So many little things are forgotten about or overlooked when we neglect to have time for ourselves, and for each other. The awful truth - for one of us, this will be the beginning of our last day. There won’t be a tomorrow. There won’t be time to say sorry - to change - to love.

Time is so precious and yet we can often behave as though it was limitless.
For the spiritual mind, there is an after-life - a bond between this world and the next where minds can still communicate, yet we no longer will have the ability for hugs and kisses and shared laughter.
NOW is the best time for appreciating the joy of living!

Monday, October 13, 2008

HAVE A HEART!

I wonder, in this new-age world we live in , do we forget to have a heart - to care for each other?

It’s so easy to glide through life with blinkers on, seeing only what we want to see and being involved totally with our own interests. Granted, these interests may incorporate our immediate family and friends. That’s good. At least we’re reassured of not being totally self-centred, yet there is a big world out there and a lot of needy people.

We can reach out a helping hand - perhaps to our immediate community? As soon as we remove the blinkers, we will be amazed at how much can be done. If each one of us is willing to do a little extra, it will mean so much.
Have a heart!
Let’s open our eyes and allow ourselves to develop a deeper and happier lifestyle!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

THE INNER PERSON.

I have a friend, a good person, whose life is centred on God. Sometimes,, my lack of thought acts like sandpaper on my friend’s sensitive nature and vice versa. To placate pride and return to love, a healing must take place.

A kind thought - a kind word - a kind act will soothe and soften ruffled pride and before we know it, we are on the path of love again.

Don’t listen to the ‘friend’ who tells you to assert yourself and guard your pride. Instead, listen to yourself - the inner person - your true self. The presence of wisdom - the Holy Spirit - is living in the INNER PERSON.

Monday, October 6, 2008

A MOTHER’S LOVE.

The majority of us have been spoiled with one of the greatest riches in life - a mother’s love. Whether we live in a concrete jungle or the back of beyond; we have, or had, a treasure in the guidance and love from our mothers.
I wonder does the modern wife know the great power she has and the wonderful tradition she becomes part of, in becoming a mother. This in no way belittles the status and role of the father of the family. He is the backbone, the one who takes on a great responsibility to care for and guide young minds, yet the mother is the heart of the family. She is the inspiration that helps everybody to reach out and fulfill their dreams.
In our modern society we may forget the value of family life. It’s a huge responsibility to take on, becoming a parent - becoming a mother. A good role model will help.
For me, there is no better role model than our Lady. Imagine God loving us so much that He would share His Mother with us. In Lourdes - in Fatima - in Poland; in so many places all over the world.
God knows the value of true MOTHERHOOD. Do we?

Thursday, October 2, 2008

LET THE BOSS HANDLE IT!


Years ago, when I worked for a large firm, I would do my day’s work and then go home. If work-problems appeared, the boss would delegate people to look after things. Most times, a little overtime, and putting heads together, solved everything. We were a contented bunch of people, happy with our pay and happy with our home-life.
It seems today, a lot of people’s work and home-life are intertwined. Pressure is applied to get more work into each day than time allows, so stress escalates and shoddy work is usually the result. An unhappy worker cannot produce a good day’s work.
A lot of honesty is needed, both from employers and employees. If a boss is under pressure to produce bigger and better profits; or if an employee is over-ambitious, then stress will be the result, and work results will suffer.
The solution? Seems silly to even have to say it, yet I believe FAITH is the answer. We, each one of us, have a BOSS whose wisdom will inspire us to always come up with a WIN/WIN solution. We may not earn enough for that smashing new car, or exotic holiday, yet we will be happy people. Our contentment will grow and we will learn again to enjoy the simple things of life.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES.


Friendship is a wonderful thing. Those of us who have the gift of a friend or friends will realise that friendship cannot be bought. Perhaps we can earn friendship through being open and able to care for others - able to step out of our comfort zone and allow others to have an imput in our lives.
Whatever kind of friend we become, will be reflected in the friends we have. Yet, there is a circle of friends who care about you and me and have made it their business to watch out for us.
We call them saints, people like St. Therese who promised to spend her heaven doing good on earth.
If at times we feel without inspiration and in need of a friend, we can always elevate our minds and ask for guidance from our friends in high places.
My favourite is Mary.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

THE ART OF COMMUNICATION.


I attended a meeting the other day on the art of communication. The speaker used humour to outline the differences between people.

Some of us are more visual, guided by what we see. Others are guided more by what they hear,

while others again are guided by their feelings.

Of course most of us are a combination of all three.

Men are generally guided by the logical side of their brain, while women are a mixture of the creative side of the brain and the logical side. This can be why men often believe women to be scattered, yet it’s because we are able to combine more than one thing at a time. This may disturb the logic of man, yet women understand each other.

The art of communication depends on us being able to step into the shoes of another person - to see things from their point of view. Misunderstandings happen when we are not aware of others. Are they visual? Are they audio? Are they people of feelings?

By communicating - listening - observing, we learn to become aware of others as they are, not as we conceive them to be. And so, the art of communication is put in place!


Tuesday, September 23, 2008

QUIET TIME


The value of quiet time is self-evident. Just watch a mother with her child, holding, touching, looking… no words are necessary. This quiet time is enveloped in love.
For most of us in our busy lives, we may forget the value of taking time out to appreciate those we love.
No expensive presents are needed. The gift we give is ourselves, our time, our interest.

In the spiritual life, we are invited to take time out, for ourselves. To show appreciation for the gift of life, the uniqueness of our being, how special we are. Strangely enough, it’s only when we are loving, in giving and doing that we learn to appreciate the value of our own uniqueness. We are special, a once-off masterpiece, created by the Master himself.

Friday, September 19, 2008

LIGHT UP THE WORLD!

Sometimes, when we are weak, perhaps physically or mentally, we can be bombarded by scruples and doubts, especially about our beliefs. We may experience a loss of faith in ourselves as a good person.
We may experience a loss of faith in God and all the religious beliefs we have fostered and which give meaning and consolation to our lives.
Deep within, we know this darkness is not real. We are simply in the dark, waiting for the light to be turned on again. God is asking us to trust Him. After all, it’s not such a bad thing to be without light, not if we truly believe in the LIGHT.
We become aware of just how weak we really are. All this is good. When we need understanding and knowledge, HE is the TRUTH. When we need vision, HE is the WAY.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

LOVE HUMILITY!


In this wonderful, new-age world of ours, we are encouraged to assert ourselves; to speak out and refuse to hide our inner light.
This is good. The only drawback is sometimes we clash with others. Worse still, pride hits off pride and people wind up hurting each other.
Is there a remedy? I believe there is and it’s called Humility!
This self-effacing virtue is a great guide-line for knowing the truth of a situation. If we can only assert ourselves through anger - impatience and a refusal to listen to others, then all we are asserting is blind pride and we know where that leads us.
Humility will always listen; will always be patient and will always speak the truth, even to the detriment of ourselves.

When we find it difficult to hold back that smart remark, or to say we are sorry. When it’s not easy to forgive and forget, it can be encouraging to know that the remedy lies within ourselves. We are being invited to humble ourselves, to put our happiness and freedom first, and to love humility.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.

I always equated the story of the pearl of great price with the gift of faith. Perhaps this is so, yet lately I’ve begun to believe that the greatest gift of all is the ability to love.
We are told, we are what we love. This can be so true. Take a family for example, those who care for and are interested in each other, create a wonderful atmosphere where even a stranger can feel welcome. Love emanates from every corner of such a home, and it is a HOME, not just a comfortable house.
The same can be true of co-workers - those who care for and are interested in each other. Again, an welcoming atmosphere is present. Work is not a drudge and love is a winner.
St. John, the apostle, had it all figured out so many years ago. He knew the value of faith, yet his preaching was a simple one, `Little children, love one another’.
Let’s re-evaluate our priorities and become like the wise man who gave up everything for the pearl of great price.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

A HAPPY FACE.

My mother was ill. Hospital was the only answer, so the doctor said. Several weeks, at least. The family was dependent on having her at home, but she had to obey the doctor, otherwise her life was at risk.

I visited as often as I could and it became a pleasure to see her being transformed from being the `mother’ as we knew her, into a real person - someone who had time and interest in being creative - a person with a happy face.

This was a revelation for me. I had linked illness with sadness. Not so. I discovered that even pain can have happiness as a companion, as indeed my mother had with her companions.
An atmosphere of good humour and even laughter filled the hospital ward.
Some recovered - others didn’t, yet they all knew the secret of a happy face.

Monday, September 15, 2008

LITTLE CHILDREN, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

We often read in books, especially the lives of the saints about being in the presence of God. St. John had that privilege.
He lived, ate, slept and walked in the presence of God - with the Person of Christ.
He was called the Beloved Disciple - so close was he to our Lord at all times.
So, what special wisdom did St. John learn? What jewels of precious advise and guidance did he receive, to pass on? What was his message? Simply this -
LITTLE CHILDREN, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
This was his constant advice and appeal to all he met. Could we receive better?

Saturday, September 13, 2008

THE GOD-LINK.

When my younger brother was very small, he loved listening to the radio. We had a big old-fashioned model. Convinced that a man and a woman lived inside it, he would try to squeeze himself behind the cabinet on which the radio sat, just to catch a glimpse of them. We couldn’t convince him otherwise. We enjoyed the fun, yet as soon as he was old enough to play games with the bigger boys, he forgot all about the radio and the two imaginary characters who lived in it.

I was reminded of this, the other day, when I needed advise. It was one of those `should I or should I not’ situations. I know God is the one with all the answers, yet He often chooses to use our friends and co-workers to supply us with guidelines and answers.
To my surprise, it was a `non-friend’ who presented a solution to my dilemma. It seems, even our adversaries are part of the God-link.
This made me realise, we are receiving all the time from our Creator. And, we don’t just receive for ourselves - we receive for each other. We are like the voices in the radio. Sometimes we are not tuned into the right channel, yet we are still a receiver - we just lose the sense of the message we are being given.
Quiet moments are so important where we learn to listen, and receive, and relay the message whatever it might be.
Is the message for us, or for others? It doesn’t seem to matter to God.
Should it matter to us..?

Friday, September 12, 2008

PATIENCE.

St. Teresa of Avila had a good attitude to patience.

She would say, ‘ Let nothing disturb thee; nothing afright thee; all things are passing; God alone suffices, patience gains all. ’


Try telling that to a stressed out motorist who is already late for work. Or, to a mother who has three hyper-active children to deliver to school and traffic seems to be jammed for miles ahead. Just two examples of the many reasons for stress in our fast moving world of today.

It can be a challenge to remain cool and calm when everything around us seems to be in chaos.
It is a challenge, but not impossible.
Life is a question of priorities. If getting to work , or getting the children to school has priority, then a price has to be paid. Time is limited. If we leave late, we are late. If traffic is out of control, then we do not have control and must accept the consequences.
It’s more difficult to be a victim - not to be in charge - yet if we are patient at that moment of stress, our patience will save the day - maybe even our lives.
Let nothing disturb you - be patient - everything is passing. God is in control, looking out for us, always.

THE POWER OF GRATITUDE.

The power of gratitude is amazing. When we say thank you, we increase the value of everything that happens to us.

A thank you for a kind act, sows the seed for friendship. A thank you for a deserved reprimand opens us to change. A thank you for an undeserved reprimand appeases anger and makes us stronger - more in control.

A thank you, God when things go wrong and worry threatens our peace of mind will link us to God - to wisdom, understanding and knowledge.
Sometimes the only difference between things going right or wrong is our way of looking at them.
We may fail an exam or in a relationship. Painful though it might be, this could establish us more solidly in the path we want to follow. Perhaps, there is another road for us, one we hadn’t thought about.
When things seem to go wrong, God is not punishing us. Because He loves us, He is trying to guide us towards what will give us most happiness, without at the same time interfering with our freedom of choice. Can you find a Parent better than that?

Thank you God, for caring.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

BY INVITATION ONLY.


A little book, called the Imitation of Christ, contained a picture of the Good Shepherd knocking at a door that could only be opened from the inside. The door symbolised the soul.
Perhaps God is present in our lives, by invitation only. We have been given the gift of free choice, so God holds back, waiting for our invitation. His love for us has such tremendous respect for our free will.

We invite God into our lives by treating his Presence as we would a friend - talking to Him - asking His advice - sharing our joys and our sorrows with Him. God can be closer to us than the person we love most. God, being Love, is found in love.

Monday, September 8, 2008

DORAS EILE!

While living on the Aran islands, with interchanging, gale-force winds, it was quite a common occurrence to be told “Doras eile!” ( the other door). Then, the back-door became the front-door. The more traditional cottages had no distinction between front or back. The home was built to comfort the dweller, and the visitor, and keep out the wind.
I was thinking about this as I struggled home the other day, against a northerly wind.
There are times when we are faced with spiritual challenges. Perhaps we’ve lost our way, or the way we know doesn’t seem to work anymore for us. We can’t get in. The `door’ is bolted. What can we do?
We may need the willingness to try ‘doras eile’, another way in. Perhaps we’re being invited to let go of old ways and open ourselves to new ways. Just like the old saying,

`If God closes one door, He opens another.’

Just say to yourself, ‘ Doras eile, mais se do thoile.’ (Other door, if you please.)

Saturday, September 6, 2008

HARMONY

Perhaps one of the most beautiful instruments in the world is the human voice. Just listen to a choir where voices of sopranos and altos and base are all singing in harmony. So different, yet so musical and a pleasure to listen to.

I have memories of being in our school choir. I liked singing, yet being in the choir was often a penance. Attendance at twice-weekly practise was compulsory, once it had been established one could sing.

Our training often involved shouting and screaming from a teacher with a low-tolerance temper. This was her way of avoiding a nervous-breakdown. We survived by enjoying ridiculing her, in secret of course.


We looked like angels - a group of over fifty young adults - yet we were anything but! Then, miraculously, after weeks of practise, we began to sing well together. Harmonious and musical were the words used by the audience as we sang for our parents, teachers and the whole school.
We were so proud, and a little astonished. We had achieved what seemed impossible in the beginning.

Although we’ve grown up and left school, we are still students, and life is a constant teacher. Everyday we are invited to harmonise, to blend in and be a part of each other’s lives. Our egos and individual opinions of ourselves might say this is impossible. Is it?

How beautiful and musical life is when we live in harmony with one another. These are the qualities of love.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Thursday, September 4, 2008

BE GENTLE, ALL ARE FRAIL!

To have a gentleness of spirit when faced with weakness and frailty, is a sign of true inner peace. We all have weaknesses. We all fail, at times, and are so relieved when others accept us and don’t condemn us for our short-comings.

So, when are we not gentle?
When do we fail to accept failures and disappointments?
When, and why do we become hard?

Could it be, we have forgotten the value and power of gentleness? How important a gentle word can be? How inspiring, a gentle thought.

Let us allow ourselves this precious gift of gentleness and we will be transformed into a person centred in peace and tranquillity, with inner strength to deal with the short-comings of life.

As the greatest of Teachers has taught us, ‘Learn of Me, for I am meek and gentle of heart.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

BEING TRANSFORMED.

We are told that every ten years of our lives brings about a change in our personalities and our attitudes to life in general. Whether we know it or not, our lives are moving forward and we are being moulded by the environment we live in.

It can be a good thing to take time out to examine our lives and become aware of the many changes that have already taken place. At one time in our lives, we had ideals and dreams... are they still there?

Has life become too real - no room for dreams? It's good to bear in mind that reality is never meant to be a kill-joy.

When we are inspired to dream of places to go - challenges to face - opportunities to develop our skills and personalities, we become alive and ready to take on the world. Just like the heroes in the Special Olympics, we focus on our abilities, not our disabilities. Life is positive and full of hope.

This is the essence of TRANSFORMATION. Our aims become our reality and we are changed into a new person. Out with the old, and on with the new US!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

BE STILL…

Sometimes when we are with those we love, we forget to be with them. We may talk a lot. We may listen a little, yet to be with someone requires stillness.

This may be easier to do in a quiet place, together, yet it is possible to be in the middle of a busy city and still be in this state of stillness - a state of love.

God is present with us, all the time. We simply quieten ourselves, perhaps in a quiet place like a church, and we will be present with Him.

‘Be still and know that I am God…'
When we are still, kneeling or sitting or lying in bed, we still our minds and place ourselves in the Presence of God. We believe that He is with us. This is a simple act of love.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

A SPIRITUAL FRIEND.

My friend was leaving. Her visit to Ireland had taken her all over the country, and she had been received well. I hoped her love and interest in the Irish people had grown as she is one of those people who can do a lot of good. ‘Has a lot of pull with the powers to be,’ I heard a person say. I would agree totally with that. She is the kind of person who would go out of her way to do a good turn. I know she’s been there for me, many times when I needed a friend.
I only had the chance to meet her twice - when she came to Wicklow, and when she departed from Wexford. Both occasions were special for me. I was happy to renew our friendship and what words couldn’t say, our hearts said.
I look on Therese as a friend - someone to confide in. I can share with her my joys and worries, my dreams and secrets. Whenever the sunny side of life is clouded over by negativity, even these times of darkness can be shared with a spiritual friend..
Although I call St. Therese of Lesieux ( the Little Flower) my special friend, she has developed friendships with thousands - perhaps millions - of people.
If you are interested in having a spiritual friend, then St. Therese is a good choice. She has promised to spend her heaven doing good on earth. Talk to her - ask her. The word NO is not in her vocabulary.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

ABANDON FEAR - EMBRACE LOVE


I suppose we are all faced with fears of one kind or another. Sometimes, we can be so afraid of failing that we may never try to be adventurous - reach out and catch hold of our dreams.
Yet, as soon as we abandon fear, we are free to embrace love. It’s seems almost too simple.
So, why don’t we turn our back on our fears, whatever they might be?

Perhaps it’s a question of forgiveness. Some people carry a burden of guilt through their whole lives. They obviously either don’t know, or have forgotten that God forgives us when we are sorry, instantly. Most other people forgive us too. The only one who may have a problem with forgiveness is ourselves, because of our wounded pride. So, the burden of guilt continues.
How sad.

It’s takes love to forgive. Each day we are presented with three ways to love -
the love of God - the love of our neighbour - the love of ourselves.
Strangely enough, by loving ourselves, in the true sense, our love for God and our neighbour becomes desirable and easy.
Put love first and fear will fade into the background.

Abandon fear - embrace love.

SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY.



Generosity is a tremendous quality. It enlarges the heart - makes us aware of the needs of others and develops us as a mature, full person with a generous spirit.
Yet, how do we arrive that this spirit of generosity? How do we learn to say yes, when our feelings and nature want to say no? How do we become aware of how others are affected by our actions, and learn to modify what we do?

St. Francis de Sales, a lawyer and a saintly bishop, seemed to have had all the answers. He wrote that none of us are generous by nature. Our nature guides us to take care of ourselves. - the survival instinct, which is essential for our well-being. So, we don’t need to reproach ourselves for our lack of generosity. We simply need to grow in awareness of our spiritual self which is dependent on love.
A spirit of generosity comes from humility - an awareness of the goodness of God versus our littleness. When we believe that God is ready and willing to help us out, then it becomes easy for us to give and care for others - to have a spirit of generosity.
‘It is in giving that we receive.’
.

OUTSIDE, LOOKING IN - INSIDE, LOOKING OUT.

As a child I remember looking in a restaurant window. I was outside, looking in at the people. Then I became aware that they were inside, looking out at me. Suddenly, I was the one being observed. My freedom as an observer was shattered by a self-conscious awareness of myself.
When we grow up, we learn to handle gracefully, other people’s awareness of us. We communicate and reveal ourselves, at least to some degree, and so relationships blossom and grow.
However, the real development in life is centred on us being able to look in and observe ourselves, as if we are another person; and then to look out and observe others. If we truly believe in the presence of God living in each one of us, then this ability is of paramount important.
When we become aware of God within us, we are then free to look out and discover God in others. We open the door to love.

COLOUR

I work in a little office, which is also my creative space as I have access to the computer in my spare time. Early mornings and evenings become my inspirational time.
The office badly needed a paint job, so I eventually set to work last month. First off, I managed to clear out excess rubbish, then I began to paint the walls.
What colour? After years of clutter, I winded up renewing the white walls and touching up the woodwork with a pale grey. The finished product was bright and clean - clinically clean. In my efforts to remove rubbish, I had removed colour!
Comments from my friends were positive, at least the carpet had colour. Then, a brain-wave - I commissioned one of my friends, a budding artist, to paint a picture, full of colour. She willingly obliged and produced her masterpiece - a multi-coloured picture of abstract art.
Being a little conservative as regards art, I stared at the painting. It was something I could never have imagined. Then again, I don’t have her imagination, and the colours are vibrant, so I called her masterpiece VIBRANCE.
Vibrance has added instant colour to my office and to my creative space, and to my expanding imagination. I’ve begun to realise how much we can be influenced by colour.

TRUE VALUES

We live in a world of plenty, and in a world of want. For most of us here in Ireland, we have plenty. We may not be millionaires or anything like that, yet most of us don’t have to worry about our next meal or whether or not we have shoes and a warm coat to wear. So what if we don’t manage to dress in the most fashionable clothes, we are warm and clean and comfortable. Yet, are we?

My sister is a nun, working in Pakistan. She could tell us about want, yet most times she tells me about the beauty and gentleness of the people and how the smallest present lights up the eyes of the children in the hospital. Living in a poor area, the nuns are surrounded by poverty, yet they meet with happiness and innocence, and gratitude for the gift of life.

In this new, materialistic Ireland, perhaps it is the poor countries that could teach us a thing or two about the true values of life.