What's in your toolbox?

I was recently watching something on TV and they were talking about making sure the group they represent had all the tools they need to get their job done.  And as my crazy mind works - I began to think about my toolbox in the closet, then my tools in the kitchen, and then I began wondering about my spiritual toolbox.

We need to make sure we have the right tools for the job - if you are hanging a shelf - you will need a hammer, a level and a measuring tape.  In the kitchen you may use your mixer or food processor to get the job done. 

But what are the tools we need in our spiritual toolbox - tools that can help build our faith, to help others, and to move a little further on our journey to the Father?

I've thought of a few - you may have the same or completely different:

First - the lives of the Saints.  There are many Saints that have inspired me - some by their undying faith and others who did not necessarily live sainted lives in the beginning, but came to their faith later in life.  I have used St. Monica's continue prayer for her son to inspire me to continue praying for my own family.  And Mother Teresa's faith even when she faced the darkness everyday.

My second tool I have in my box is the Rosary - When I was younger, I did not really have a devotion to the Rosary, it was something I had in my purse, but rarely pulled out, but over the last few years I have found new strength in praying it.  I try to pray the Rosary everyday (notice the word 'try' for I am definitely not perfect.)  I have discovered that for me, it brings me so much closer to the Holy Mother and it gives me a center in my life.

The third tool I have is my prayers for others and their prayers for me.  A few years ago I was pretty sick and in the hospital.  My husband had brought my Rosary and had placed it in my hand.  But due to the pain and medication I could not focus and only could pray a couple Hail Mary's.  It was then that I felt God say to me 'It's okay, others are praying for you.'  This gave me much comfort and peace.  And later when I was better I could reflect on it.  It made me realize how important our prayers are for others.  We do not necessarily know what their lives are like or what they are facing - but our Father knows and our prayers help bring them closer to his love.  It's also just as important to ask for prayers from others.  I know for me I can hesitate, not knowing what their faith beliefs are or in fear of what they may say to me.  But I need to move past the fear and focus my life on the Lord.

So share with me - what is in your toolbox?

The Beauty of Frost

We woke this morning in West Michigan to our first frost of the season.  I can find it little sad for I know it signals the definite end of summer.  Plants which have defied the cooler nights of fall will now give way to the frost.  The trees will start loosing their leaves at a faster rate.  It also means I need to get all our yard ornaments and garden hoses put away for winter; I have to surrender to the fact that winter is on it's way. (I am not a cold weather girl.)  But there is beauty here too.

When you see the frost on the trees or grass as the first rays of the morning sun strikes the frost crystals it causes the blades of grass or tree limb to come alive dancing in the brilliant light of the morning sun.  We are like those blades of grass, when we are covered with the graces of God.  His glorious light will strike the graces of our lives and help our faith to come alive dancing within his light.  It can be the most beautiful thing you will ever experience on this earth, and it gives us a glimpse of how we will sparkle when we are in the presence of God's love.

Nature gives us such wonderful examples of God's love for us, we just need to be still and experience them.

Give to Caesar what belongs Caesar

In Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 23:15-21) we hear Jesus say to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what belongs to God.  This got me thinking about exactly what does belong to God.

And I determined God is not interested in our material accomplishments.  I'm sure he would not be impressed with my basket collection or how many shoes I have (which if you ask my husband is way too many.)  What belongs to God is our hearts and our service.  When we stand before the Lord what will be in our hands is the love we have shown to God and to God's people and how we served them. 

This was a perfect reading for Mission Sunday!  Serving God's people can sound a little daunting, It makes us think we need to pack our bags and head to another country.  But in all reality it does not have to be for God's people are truly all around us. Now, I'm sure you are breathing a sigh of relief, for there is no need to pack bags or update your passport.  But it does require action on your part.  There are many around us who can use our help, but do not voice it.  So you may need to put on your detective hat and pay attention to the clues. 

For example, perhaps there is an elderly widow that sits by you every Sunday at Mass, but then you begin to notice she is not there for a few weeks - perhaps she is sick or simple needs a ride to Mass - you will never know if you do not ask the question.  If she is sick, does she need Holy Communion taken to her or need a friendly face to stop by for a visit?  If it's because she needs a ride, perhaps she can no longer drive or her car is in need of repair.  Truly it does not really matter, what matters is that you show that you care, contact her with a friendly voice, offer your help.  Yes, this means you may need to take time out of your day to visit her, or drive out of your way to Mass and that should not matter for it's what we are called to do - to love and serve His people.

Who can you serve today?

Are you a Rock or a Sponge?

I heard a wonderful analogy about our encounter between us and the sacraments last night at RCIA (I am on the team.)

 Father asked the group - when a rock is put into a glass of water and then taken out - if you cut the rock open - what would be on the inside?  Well, the rock would be the same as before it was placed in the water - sure it would be wet on the outside - but it would still be dry and hard on the inside.  Ok, so if you put a sponge in a glass of water and then take it out - would the sponge be changed?  Yes, it would have soaked up all the water and become supple.

He was using this point to ask the group as to what happens to us when we encounter the Sacraments.  Do we just get wet on the outside and unchanged on the inside - or - do we soak up the Sacrament and allow it to change us.

When we encounter any Sacrament, we are encounter Christ.  We can either just sit there in the middle of it - doing nothing, or we can become an active participant, allowing the Sacrament to move us closer to the Lord.  Each Sunday we experience Christ through the Sacrament of the Eucharist.   It is a wonderful gift to us from God which allows us to become one with Jesus.  When we approach the Eucharist - we should be in prayer, asking God to allow this holy food to change us - we need to be like the sponge - soaking up all the graces that we find went we meet Christ in this way.  And then also like the sponge - share the water we soaked up with others.

So, I ask you -- today are you a rock or a sponge?