Turn Back to Me For Greatest Lent Ever!
TOTALLY NOT THERE!
Photo By: Flickr/Gauthier DELECROIX
Led by that Inner Voice, I went back to work as a private duty nurse. I am caring for two clients that need TOTAL care because they are physically unable to do anything anymore. One's mind is not there, the other, her mind very there but unable to verbally communicate. As I care for them, I could feel deep pity for their condition. I do, but greater is my sorrow for all those today who are ABLE, who have FULL mental capacity to THINK and DO---but are TOTALLY NOT THERE!!
Rather it is the young totally addicted to their cell phone, or now the adults too: or rather it is the leader who out of desire to be popular will speak what pleases or tickles the ears of those who are listening. The majority of the population of our country seem to be TOTALLY NOT THERE!
Did you know only around 30% of our population go to church regularly and are faithful to the teachings of God? How many of those though, if we look around, may sometimes seem to be totally not there. Our minds wander quickly, scampering like monkeys in the tree as Father Jerome said. Or, are there is for the wrong reason. Routine, obligation, whatever---but our heart just is TOTALLY NOT THERE either.
Let us remember though, no matter what the reason ---we thank God that we are THERE, and "With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption." Let us just bring our mind back to why we are there and remember too, all those who are unable to come any more. Let us never take for granted our ability to be PRESENT in every aspect of our Life so that we can be aware of the PRESENCE OF THE I AM in every aspect of our life.
Rather it is the young totally addicted to their cell phone, or now the adults too: or rather it is the leader who out of desire to be popular will speak what pleases or tickles the ears of those who are listening. The majority of the population of our country seem to be TOTALLY NOT THERE!
Did you know only around 30% of our population go to church regularly and are faithful to the teachings of God? How many of those though, if we look around, may sometimes seem to be totally not there. Our minds wander quickly, scampering like monkeys in the tree as Father Jerome said. Or, are there is for the wrong reason. Routine, obligation, whatever---but our heart just is TOTALLY NOT THERE either.
Let us remember though, no matter what the reason ---we thank God that we are THERE, and "With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption." Let us just bring our mind back to why we are there and remember too, all those who are unable to come any more. Let us never take for granted our ability to be PRESENT in every aspect of our Life so that we can be aware of the PRESENCE OF THE I AM in every aspect of our life.
Please be careful of the slippery slope we go on when we think "Oh, this little time on the phone is not really that BAD. Just remember in a blink of an eye something REALLY BAD can happen if we are not TOTALLY THERE in the moment and aware of those around us. Just like the dream I had last night--I am caring for one larger child, find medicine not given, and then go to check on that child. I go to a basement like place, water lying on the floor---and a stethoscope lying in the water! (Indicates maybe, that we no longer can listen to other's hearts?) As I pick it up, I am very frustrated with the situation---then I see another baby, take off his air mask, stand up in an hospital bassinette meant for a new born. When he stands he falls backward out of the basinette and I grab him by the leg to save him. This is what does happen when we are "NOT THERE" for someone at the exact moment their life is in danger. Or the rest of the dream too---the environment becomes a mess and things get left undone when we become so absorbed with the desires to escape the world.
We cannot be connected with God if we are connected with 'whatever' desires keep us from serving Him and others in our lives. God we pray, help us to more and more TOTALLY THERE for You as much as You are TOTALLY THERE for us ---ever second of the day. Amen.
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About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from our church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 50 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
