As I turned the page of my planner to the month of February this morning (yes, I still use a paper calendar in addition to my electronic one), I realized that I have a lot of planning to do for upcoming speaking engagements. Time sure has a way of slipping away.
One of the events on my calendar for next week is to meet with the Confirmation candidates, their parents, and sponsors at St. Patrick's Parish in Casper, Wyoming to talk about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. As I was doing some research and putting a few thoughts together for my presentation, I began thinking back to last summer when I conducted a retreat for the staff of St. Patrick's Parish at the Terra Sancta Retreat Center in Rapid City, South Dakota. That was truly a great time. As you can see by the two photos included with this blog post, we had an opportunity to do a little sight-seeing while we were in town in addition to the retreat.
The green grass in the photo (above) taken on August 31, 2017 reminds me of the warm temperatures we were enjoying, especially compared to the cold temperatures and fresh snowfall we are "enjoying" today. It also reminded me of how quickly time passes. It has been five months since that retreat. At this rate it seem like it will be no time at all before the wrinkles on my face bear an uncanny resemblance to the wrinkles in Ole's face (pictured above).
Tomorrow will mark the 24th anniversary of my dad's death. I can't hardly believe that it has been that long. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord has never been the same for me since my dad's death. The words of Simeon which we hear on this feast day resonate in my mind in a more profound manner, "Now Master, you may let your servant go in peace." Praying these words each night in the Liturgy of the Hours makes it even more poignant.
My reflection question for today is a simple one. What are you doing with the gift of time that God has graciously given to you?
One of the events on my calendar for next week is to meet with the Confirmation candidates, their parents, and sponsors at St. Patrick's Parish in Casper, Wyoming to talk about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. As I was doing some research and putting a few thoughts together for my presentation, I began thinking back to last summer when I conducted a retreat for the staff of St. Patrick's Parish at the Terra Sancta Retreat Center in Rapid City, South Dakota. That was truly a great time. As you can see by the two photos included with this blog post, we had an opportunity to do a little sight-seeing while we were in town in addition to the retreat.
The green grass in the photo (above) taken on August 31, 2017 reminds me of the warm temperatures we were enjoying, especially compared to the cold temperatures and fresh snowfall we are "enjoying" today. It also reminded me of how quickly time passes. It has been five months since that retreat. At this rate it seem like it will be no time at all before the wrinkles on my face bear an uncanny resemblance to the wrinkles in Ole's face (pictured above).
Tomorrow will mark the 24th anniversary of my dad's death. I can't hardly believe that it has been that long. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord has never been the same for me since my dad's death. The words of Simeon which we hear on this feast day resonate in my mind in a more profound manner, "Now Master, you may let your servant go in peace." Praying these words each night in the Liturgy of the Hours makes it even more poignant.
My reflection question for today is a simple one. What are you doing with the gift of time that God has graciously given to you?
Lena has a few wrinkles as well.
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