Wonder Watch

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” ~E.B. White

Beauty pulses all around us. We miss it because we are so often pulled in a dozen directions. Today at work, in several different interactions with colleagues, I began to see how we were all tired. We have lost our sense of wonder a bit, but apparently not our sense of humour. During a conversation with one co-worker, I suddenly realized that it was Wednesday today. She laughed so hard as I came to that realization as if it was deeply profound information. I have lost track of time and space lately. It must be getting to that time of year.

I am someone who is distracted by beauty and wonder. That playful inner child is mesmerized so often. As I begin to wrap up all my obligations here, my mind wanders to what South Africa will bring. What will I see, hear, taste, marvel at? Who will I meet and what story will they tell me that will change my life? How will I integrate this adventure into my life narrative? I want to be open to all that God will give me on this trip. I know I cannot even begin to imagine what God will create but I do know with all my heart that it will be very good.

Butterflies are transformed in an act of wonder. May I too be changed into a being of greater beauty with wings to fly, causing others to praise the Creator and the wonders of this world.

Peace,

Suzanne

Be a Blessing

"When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance." ~ Joel Osteen

I am breathing and smiling more lately. I can see the end of my stress and have started to look outward again. I realize I have been pretty self-absorbed lately. Looking inward is sometimes a good thing but for me it isolates. I am happy to look to others; that brings me joy and purpose. I am grateful for the transition.

I also have to admit that God has been incredibly gracious unto me while I have been navel-gazing. Extending mercies that are new each day, I am indeed blessed by the Creator's generosity.

Peace,

Suzanne

Art as Life

"I am interested in art as a means of living a life, not as a means of making a living." ~ Robert Henri

Yesterday I went out to a great party in the bush with a bunch of artists, mostly from the class I took over the winter. It was great to meet some new folks too and learn a few things from them. Artists are very generous people I am finding.

I am still a little stressed about all that needs happen before my departure and yet I know now that all will be well. This weekend I took not just one time out, but three. I had a lovely time on Friday night with members of the Catholic community, Saturday night with friends in the Deaf community and Sunday with these new artist friends.

On Sunday I brought my camera and snapped a few photos but mostly breathed in the beauty of the land and let the music settle in my soul. I had good conversations with folks who are fast becoming friends. The sun was shining and it was fairly warm--a novelty lately. I took a walk in the labyrinth, and even though I was chatting with someone I did feel my stress disappear.

I look forward to the journey into this artist world. I am feeling an inner shift lately of wanting to write more and to learn more about photography. I think when I return from South Africa, I will need to sort through some of my life goals and figure out a direction. All these amazing doors are opening for me and I want to pursue some of them.

How are you living your life? Are you chasing the wind or pursuing your passion?

Peace,

Suzanne

Enough and Then Some

"There is never not enough." ~ Fr. Trevor Scott, sj during a homily today

Trevor Scott celebrated mass this morning and wrapped up his homily with these words. He has been a Jesuit priest for all of one week. If this morning was any indication of God's providence for him, he will be an excellent priest and Jesuit. He gave a beautiful children's homily before speaking to the adults in the crowd.

The Gospel reading today was the feeding of the five thousand. I needed to hear these words as I prepare to leave for South Africa--to be assured that there will be enough time, mostly, and enough patience, enough sleep, enough love, enough mercy, and enough letting go. Jesus proves to us that when we walk with him, we not only have enough, we have more than enough in ways that we cannot even begin to imagine. Before we even become aware of what we need, God has it. All shall be well.

I love that Trevor also stressed that God cannot do it all alone but needs us to help bless the world. We need to be co-creators to bring about God's majestic plan.

When was the last time you saw the great Abundance that God blesses you with? How have you helped to ensure that others have more than enough?

Peace,

Suzanne

Finding A Voice

"Who stole your voice?" ~ Dr. Robin L. Smith

A series of self-improvement talks is happening over the next 10 days through Hay House World Summit. I have been listening to Dr. Robin this morning talk about the horrible twins of shame and blame. At one point, she asks who stole your voice? Who robbed you of your identity? When was the last time you were your authentic self? She made me think of the summer I was on retreat and on my first day my soul settled in and I heard the beautiful song bird's melody. I breathed deeply and closed my eyes. I had about a minute of solitude when the crow crackled. That sound was less than desirable. I had an epiphany that remains with me. How would I find my voice? Could it be that sometimes I needed to be the songbird and other times the crow? Would I accept both sides of myself without judgment? The voice of self-condemnation is loudest for most people. Dr. Robin invites us to awaken self-compassion at moments like that. Accountability without compassion is dangerous. I can mess up and feel badly but I can also let it go gently and not beat myself up.

The judgment voice is usually not ours--it is someone from our childhood who chipped away at our fragile self-esteem and it still plays out in our current relationships. At times, it might be best to ask whose voice is that in my head right now? We can dig around and discover some truths about ourselves that will help us to live more fully and joyfully.

When was the last time you found your voice in a way that surprised you and others? Have you embraced the songbird and the crow within you? Can you extend compassion to yourself when you need to?

Peace,

Suzanne

Step Out

"Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Road map, please!! In two weeks, I will be landing in Cape Town. If I stop to wonder how I got there, I would not know how to explain it to you. When I worked Sojourners Magazine, I transcribed for hours audiotapes of South African women that my friend Joyce interviewed. It was an eye-opening experience that I never forgot. Now I find myself rereading that chapter in her book with new eyes.

The first step of a journey can happen years ago and the path may twist and turn prior to arriving at a destination, which may actually not be the final resting place. The important piece is to pay attention and to trust that the way is opening as it should.

Today is the feast of the Visitation, the day when Mary set out and hastened towards her cousin, to share her joy. She did not know that her yes would lead her to a path that would require great faith to complete. She hastened then and in fidelity completed the journey laid out before her over the decades. Great joy was hers. Great joy can be ours.

Peace,

Suzanne

Choose Carefully

“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” ~J.K. Rowling

Stress is creating an A personality within me and I am not happy. A colleague did something unusual and uncalled for today and I lost it. I could not comprehend the actions and I was too exhausted to respond gently. It does not matter how many skills you have, sometimes life gets a little carried away from you and you behave badly. I need to choose differently starting right now. Goodbye A, come back B!

Peace,

Suzanne