JUNE 1 TO 19
I think "hang in there" is a great image. It is hard to hang from a tree limb or anywhere else for a long
period of time. Our arms grow weary. We are afraid we will fall and die in the process but it is
extremely painful to continue hanging. Often no one is around to watch us hang, go get a ladder or
safety net. So, we continue to hang.
"Hang in there" is a statement about our lives. It describes the many no-win situations in which we
find ourselves.
PRAYER
Lord, sometimes I feel lost, at times I feel confused. Sometimes I want to quit. Other times I am just
plain angry, I guess you understand.
REFLECTION
Are we honest in our prayer? Are we really willing to tell God how we really feel? Or do we tell God
what we think God would like to hear?
God knows what we really think. We are not deceiving God. We are only deceiving ourselves. When
we pray we pray not to inform an uninformed God. We do not pray to change God's mind or to help an
indecisive God decide. We pray to change our own minds and hearts.
The above prayer also admits that we are not really sure about God's reaction. "I guess you
understand" is a statement of uncertainty not one of absolute certainty.
The value of the prayer is its simplicity, its honesty, and that it frees us to be honest about ourselves.
We don't have to pretend. For a deeper reflection on the meaning and purpose of prayer, see
www.icsee.com/maxpages/prayer_list
ACTION
Use your diary to describe persons, events, situations in your life in which you simply "hang in there".
Is this something of which you should let go?
Is it worth the hanging?
If so, is there someone or something you can use as a safety net?
Suggestions for Fathers' Day (if your Father is dead)
Buy your father a present. Give it in his name to a father in the nursing home or one who who has no
family left.
"Adopt" a father from the nursing home. Invite him for dinner.
Set a place for your father at the meal. Remember him
Don't forget the standard questions:
Is there anyone I need to forgive?
What experiences are still hard for me?
Have I reached out to anyone lately?
Are there still ways I am saying "no" to life?
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Our spiritual journey is not a one dimensional trip. There are many ups and downs. We slip backward
at time. There are times when we become stagnant and don't move either forward or backward.
Sometimes we can gauge our progress by looking at the situations we still find it difficult to cope with.
We are about half way through the year. This would be a good time to make some time for a small
retreat. Reflect on the following:
What are the experiences (or persons) I still find it difficult to remember? Why?
What things do I still find it difficult to do? Why?
Do these persons or experience remind me of any failure on my part? Anything I need to change?
TO CONTINUE
To contact us bill crumley
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
3041 CHITIMACHA TRAIL
CHARENTON LOUISIANA 70523
USA
337-923-4281