Come Back to Me Dear Child

 

-Susan

Happy Father's Day St. Joseph

 

  They are called the "hidden years."  It is actually a large span of time.  It is most of Jesus' life here on earth. Mary and Joseph spent more time with Jesus than anyone else.  I bet if we asked St. Joseph what he would call those years, he would call them "absolutely incredible years!"  Imagine St. Joseph's joy to hold baby Jesus in his arms, or the fun involved when playing with Jesus in the fields, or gazing at the stars together at night.  Imagine kneeling in prayer everyday with Mary on one side and Jesus on the other.  It had to be a foretaste of heaven for St. Joseph.

  I am certainly not discounting the stress of having to protect the long awaited Messiah and Mary, because I'm sure there were plenty of days  it weighed very heavy on him. Raising a child is difficult even under the best of circumstances , yet alone when authorities wanted your family eliminated.  I'm sure there were days when work was unavailable and food was scarce, but since today is Father's Day, I want to imagine the fun times.

  Have you ever wondered if St. Joseph told "dad jokes?"  Did Jesus laugh at his jokes?  What kind of jokes do you think Jesus shared with Joseph?  What was their favorite father/son activity (after praising God of course)? Did they ever play innocent tricks on Mary?  Often when we see statues or paintings of the Holy Family they seem so serious, but I can't help thinking they had a lot of fun too.  Today as I remember all the good times I had with my own father, I'm going to imagine the Holy Family smiling, laughing, and reminiscing about all their good times as well.

-Susan

The Beauty That Surrounds Us

 

  I was taking a bike ride a couple of weeks ago when I passed by this field.  "Wow! That's absolutely beautiful!"  I thought to myself.  

  I showed the picture to my kids and they responded similarly.  "Where is that field at?"  They were surprised when I told them it was near the entrance of our subdivision.  Beauty isn't just in the eye of the beholder, it sometimes depends on what time your eyes are opened.

  It's easy to take for granted the beauty that surrounds us every day. Beautiful friendships, a loving family, good health, or financial stability may go unnoticed or underappreciated until one day they are gone. I rode by that same field today and most of the flowers have faded and simply blend in with the foliage.

 Whether we are surrounded by beauty or we find ourselves being choked by life's weeds, the Lord expects us to bloom. During the seasons when we are not "flowering", God is still showering us with graces and fertilizing the roots of our faith. Sometimes we may not even realize that the seeds of our faith have become attached to others and will bloom without us ever knowing.  God is always working through and around us even if it looks like our current circumstances are dormant or trampled upon.

  Today, whether you are gloriously blooming or feeling a bit wilted, go out and hold your head up high.  Look towards the heavens and tell God, "I am firmly planted in Your Love, and I trust the seasons and pruning to you, O Lord! My life is in your hands. Allow me to notice and appreciate the beauty of my life.!"

-Susan

True Joy

 

  Finding joy in our lives isn't always easy.  Some days it feels as if everything is working against us.  When you are having "one of those days," remember that God is working for you. He is calming your thoughts, enlightening your mind, and softening your heart. Only a soft heart can feel His tender touch. Only a mind at peace is open to understanding. Only a will joined with His will bring true joy!

-Susan