Light Lifting

god-light Dear God,

Again today I discover how much energy I am lacking. I am prohibited from “heavy lifting,” and all I have been doing is laundry and trying to tidy up the house before leaving for Tallahassee. Apparently, this is still a little bit too much because by late afternoon I felt as if a tiny limb of sorts was pushing in my abdomen….similar to the baby foot or hand during pregnancy. I still have to do the travel packing and get all that in the car. These simply things feel somewhat overwhelming but one step at a time will get it done.

This cold weather is depressing. I am totally a hot weather person. The only thing I could like – which I was reminded of while taking the puppies out last night – is a great fire on a cold night, the smell of burning wood (possible toasted marshmallows?) and being cozy with a great book…….and since I have none of those other than a great book (which I can love in hot weather), there is NOTHING I like about the cold weather!

There was a verse in this morning’s gospel –1 John 5:14-21 – “and the whole world is under the power of the Evil One.” I know this is only true because You, God, allow it. And, I know it is true because it is easy to see the evil all around. But, it is not something I like to think about or acknowledge. But it is also not something we should ignore and stick our heads in the sand like an ostrich. It is so easy to assert a “helpless” attitude and think there is nothing I can do in the face of evil. Help me God, to look closer and find more ways I can fight against evil in this world. Perhaps one of the most simple ways might be to focus more on You: “He must increase, I must decrease.” John 3:30. Putting my thoughts and actions on the good will reduce fear and dread in me and increase Your Light. I can be kind and put my focus on goodness. After all, whatever we focus our mind on is what increases.

I choose Love, Light and You, God. Please increase in me and help me to remember You are the Light, I am the instrument (if You so choose).

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love;