Advent/Christmas Reflections

God has given me a lot to think about this Advent. If there's one lesson that I'm in the process of
learning, it's patience. I'm not a patient person, and the past year has been a test of my patience, will, and obedience. Out of those three, the only thing I don't have a problem with is the will, but only my will. Luckily, we have a built in season to reflect on what patience, will, and obedience really mean. The best example? Mary.

Question/Answer

Why do Catholics pray the rosary/ pray to Mary?

Stillness

There's something about a sunset over the water that just makes me want to be still.

never alone...

I’m never sure why this always amazes me, but I am constantly amazed at how God works in my life. What’s great is that I don’t have to look for the lighting strikes and thunder claps to know God is in my life. God is great because God works in more subtle ways. God works through the people that I interact with and most times it is in the off handed comments where I feel God the most. I love having real life conversations because that is where God is: in real life. Real life is messy. We are not perfect. We don’t always feel great about ourselves or life. Ignore me if I’m wrong, but we rarely feel like we truly belong. I can honestly say that I don’t wake up every day thinking: I’m never alone!

How can we spread happiness?

This was a question posed to me by one of the high school students in the parish youth ministry program. I have to admit, I had some trouble finding an answer, but that's why I like to ask around and see what other people say. Katy said, "Recognizing that you're happy thanks to the joy that only comes from God and being willing to spread that joy by being his light." This was the inspiration for the following response: