Make time for friends

Anyone who has a friend will tell you how important it is to make time for those we care about.

I have a good friend who lives not so far from me, yet often we don't see each other for weeks on end. Our relationship consists of letter-cards and texts and the occasional phone-call.

This is a definite sign to remind one that time is needed with the person. Give up texting for a little while, and store those handy letter-cards away.

Either get up on a bike or borrow a car or take a train or bus. Whatever it takes, do it. Meet the persons who we care about and put value into our friendship with them.

Life is short, and definitely too short to miss out on one of the most treasured gifts we can have, a genuine friend!

PATIENT PERSON

In this busy world of ours, it's so easy to become impatient. We believe we need something NOW. Yet, do we?

A patient person is one who is able to relax and see with a logical mind that often what we desire now, in this present moment, can so easily wait.

A few minutes / time to chill out, can save our peace of mind and help us to focus on what to do.

What is most important is to do God's Will.

This puts all things in perspective.

It could be that what I want, is God's will for that moment, OR it could be that what my neighbour wants is more in line with God's will.

This is where patience comes into its own.

The patient person will have no trouble in discerning God's Will!

LOVE WEAKNESS

Strange how easily we can forget about weakness and the value of loving a state of weakness, then suddenly we are made weak.

So how do we deal with weakness, and why is weakness so important in our lives?

Perhaps the answer lies in the very opposite of weakness, which is strength.

We need strength just to get up in the morning and follow through with our daily activities. Yet, what kind of strength do we need?

St. Paul said, 'When I am weak, then I am strong.'

This is the secret of weakness...

When I am weak, I can call on the strength of God. He will never fail me.

When I feel strong, perhaps all I can do is depend on myself.

For me, the Strength of God is what I want, so therefore my love for weakness opens me to help from He who loves me.

My weakness becomes my strength!

MARY'S WORLD

Yesterday, 15th August, we celebrated the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.

Mary was chosen because of her humility and holiness to become the mother of Christ / mother of God.

To understand all this may not come easily to an un-spiritual mind, yet the role of a mother can be easily understood.

Mary's place in the world today is always portrayed as that of a caring mother, looking out for her children.

I accept and believe that Mary plays the role of Mother of the whole world, for those who believe, and for those who don't believe.

This makes good sense as no mother turns away from her children, even if they turn away from her.

The world we live in has great needs. Who better to help than Mary.

This is Mary's world!

NOW IS THE HOUR!

There are times when we hear about people dying; friends who not so long ago were out and about, just like ourselves.

They had places they wanted to go / things they wanted to do / family they wanted to stay with etc. just like us.

Now they are no more a part of the living, human race.

The religious mind would say they are gone to heaven / united with the God who loves them.

For the family and friends left behind, this may not comfort them.

They have lost the presence of someone they love. A loving embrace will no longer be shared in this life.

Yet, God is good. The very absence of a loved one will help us to focus on the reality of life and death.

Have we a role to play? Have we found our purpose in life?

If so, let us be bold and courageous in fulfilling whatever is our destiny.

RELAX

Often, when we are inclined to get stressed out about something, people will say, 'relax'.

Of course, this is the answer to stress, yet how does one switch on to being relaxed?

Well, one of the easiest ways is to 'let-go' of all thoughts and feelings that may lead to unrest. The simple response is, all is well, all is love

This mantra can be a saving grace...

All is well, all is LOVE!

ENABLE!

There is a world of difference between wanting to do something and being able to do it.

This is where a little wisdom comes into play and we learn to know what enables us to succeed at what we want to do.

Of course, our belief system has a lot to do with the wisdom we receive. If we are living by our beliefs then we will be able to discern what is right,

and what is wrong. This is the kernel of wisdom.

So, what do we truly believe in?

Are we faithful to our beliefs?

How do we hone in on the wisdom of Truth, the wisdom of God?

Simply put, what enables us/me to be true to ourselves/myself is the big question.

When we have the answer, we have wisdom.