Summer to Fall

This is getting embarrassing. I promise to write and then fail to follow through. We have a few weeks this time of year when I'd like to clone myself and send one of me to the barn to ride, one of me out to work in the yard, and one of me off to the lake.  The temperature is perfect and we're starting to get regular rain after the blistering summer. Indoor activities will have to wait until cold weather sets in, which is always too soon for me.

It has come to me from several sources lately that looking at everyday tasks as holy can keep us constantly prayerful. As I have mentioned before, I slip easily into prayer when my hands are busy. Trail riding and time at the lake are perfect for gratitude and worship. Yard work lends itself to intercessions. I ask the Holy Spirit to bring people to mind who can use a prayer and am sometimes surprised at who comes up. 

Here is a reflection before I head to the lake tomorrow:

Glorious God, thank you for the beauty of fall. Help me use my time well with diligence and praise. Thank you for sending Mother Katie to St. Thomas to minister to and with our precious community. Help me to be content with simply putting one foot in front of the other as I go about fall tasks that I'm in a hurry to complete. What gets done, gets done. And that is enough. The changing leaves arouse my anxiety as I know cold weather and seasonal depression are on the horizon. Keep me focused on the majesty of your kingdom and on your unfailing love for me and those around me. Empower me to reach out as your messenger to people you put on my path. My wellbeing rests in you.

Amen

Reunions

Sorry Peeps.  I've been busy getting ready for visitors and uninspired about writing.  We picked up my Ohio daughter from the airport this morning; her husband will join later in the week after putting in a few workdays. We just watched the first Razorback game of the season on TV. I spent most of it scrolling through my phone looking at pictures of my 50th high school reunion, happening this weekend.   

I went to the 40th. To be honest, I did not enjoy high school and harbored much trauma from my days growing up in south Arkansas. I felt the movement of the Holy Spirit to go to that reunion and touch base with my roots as a competent adult with agency over my feelings and behaviors. I did so much mental preparation that I experienced the weekend as OK and somewhat pleasant.  When I mentioned to my priest that I was attending the 40th, having never had any inclination to be present at a reunion, she said, "Well, it's Biblical. 40 years simply means 'long enough'". 

My spiritual work at the moment is about making peace with the past, forgiving myself and others, and letting go of what no longer serves to connect me with what is holy and life-affirming. Experiencing the current reunion from a distance in favor of precious time with my daughter feels right, like I am making progress on living in the moment, where the Holy Spirit dwells.

Precious Savior, bless and heal our memories.  We never can nor would want to lose them, but help us make peace with the past. Empower us to show mercy to our younger selves and the people who had control in our lives. Let the gift of years inform us. Draw our attention to the personal and spiritual growth you have nurtured in us over time. Direct our feet on the path of faith. In You we will know rest and an easy yoke.

Amen