Monday, January 25, 2010

Daily 5 - Day 166

Today's Daily 5:
  1. A busy, but productive day at work.  Payroll.  Vacation updates.  Reference checks. Credit card payments.  And working on negotiating an entertainment contract for the upcoming spring conference.
  2. Beef stir-fry for supper.  Apparently I was craving red meat tonight.
  3. Really quiet evening.
  4. Getting through the "to do" list for the evening
  5. Yoga
  6. An email from my friend N. in Winnipeg
  7. Watching as a few congratulations for T & L pop up on facebook
  8. Glass water bottle that doesn't leak
  9. putting a rejuvenating mask on my face for a while
  10. knowing that I should start feeling a bit better in the next week or so again

Powerful

This blog post is stunning.  I came across it via a link on twitter tonight.  To be honest, I'm not even entirely certain how I feel about the death penalty.  And as much as I preach a gospel of caring for the poor, if I'm honest, the homeless and prisoners scare me, and I'll probably go out of my way to avoid contact.  And yet, these words, this article is stunning.  It hits the heart deeply and make me question yet again the things I care about.  And maybe, after all, that's the point - to stir deep consideration, and to stir prayer.

The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

Today is the day that the Catholic Church commemorates the conversion of Paul.

The quote on the calendar on my desk today reads, "God's love is too deep for words to express." (Blessed Mary MacKillop)

It seems to me that the conversion of Paul is like that - a stunning expression of God's love that almost defies words.

You can read a little about the feast day here.

I've just recently started receiving a daily email devotion written by Richard Rohr, who had the following to say about Paul's conversion this morning:

Every person has to come to the God experience on their own. Conversion is a foundational change in life position, perspective, and finally, one’s very identity. After the transformation God is not out there any more. You don’t look at God as a separate identity; you look out from God who lives in you and through you and with you. That is a major shift, probably the most major shift possible for humans.



Like Paul, a converted person becomes convinced that they are participating in something bigger than themselves. After conversion you know you are being used, you know you are being led, and above all you realize your life is not all about you! You are about life! It is happening inside of you and all God needs is your “yes” and your participation. It is likely the hardest yes you will ever utter, because your years of habit will all shout “not possible,” “not me,” and “not worthy.”  (Richard Rohr)
 
You look out from God who lives in and through and with you after conversion.  That is a reminder that I needed today.

Tis Monday

Monday.

Snowing.

I woke up every 2 hours last night.

The weekend wasn't particularly restful, but I did manage to cram in some down time, thankfully.

Even if it wasn't restful, it was full of joy and celebrating with T and L.

I'm going to be a sister-in-law!  How cool is that?

I'm still staring at my mostly empty calendar for the coming week and rejoicing in it.

I have a myriad of little tasks to be done at home that have been waiting for my attention.

And I have a need for rest that is also needing some attention.

It'll be a full day today at work. 

End of the month payroll is due, and that's the payroll that takes the most time.

So, I'll work, I'll drive home, I'll do yoga and make dinner, and then I'll settle down to the list for the evening, which includes some restful reflective things, and some "just need to power through it" items.