Friends on the Spiritual Journey

The 4^th Sorrowful Mystery:  The Carrying of the Cross

I thank the Father for giving me friends, help for the journey.

I invited a number of friends to go out to dinner last night, but only one could make it.  I picked her up, since with her weakening eyesight she no longer drives in the evening hours.  The weather at the outdoor restaurant was most pleasant, and the tables were all filled.  I deliberately chose an outdoor location, because I knew our conversation would be loud --- my friend’s weakening hearing dictates loud talk.  The food was just “okay”, but I really wasn’t that hungry.  Perhaps writing these words about things not being perfect, you might get the idea that I had a bad evening; you would be wrong.

I’ve come to accept that little is perfect in this life, and seek and accept joy where I can find it --- even in sorrows.  I’ve written about how the faith walk is a life’s journey, and often people are at differing spots on the journey --- they’re seeing different scenery, if you will, and it’s sometimes hard to have a conversation with others about where they or you are.  But sometimes you meet someone who is in the same area, and you can stop and smell the roses together.  Although the conversation was loud last night, and we have vastly differing family lives, yet my friend and I were near the same spot in our faith journeys.  The conversation was rich, in one way, yet simple in another --- some words didn’t have to be said.  We understood when God was part of the story.  Sometimes we echoed each other’s words.  She told me of a recent sorrow in her life and was quick to add “but there is a reason for that.”  There was HIS reason, she didn’t need to explain.  As we sat and ate we gazed o the beauty of the nearby park, and saw God’s presence and love there.  Even in silence, we enjoyed each other’s company.

It was very good night, although the food was so-so and I barely remember the conversation, still, I felt a joy at the time we were together, not totally unlike the quiet time I spend in the chapel with another Friend.

- - - - - - - - - -

One of the things my friend and I spoke of last night was how we sometimes hear God’s call, or what we perceive to be His call, and we try to act on it.  Sometimes we see results --- a blessing --- but often we don’t, but trust “there is a reason.”  And then, this morning Fr. Mark told us how we need to see the wonder and awe of God in our lives, breathe in His blessings and His everyday presence.  Trust.  Wonder.  Awe.

- - - - - - - - - -

Yesterday morning I was buying my usual lottery ticket, but had a sudden urge to stop.  “Buy one of those scratch-offs, Abby,” I said, and then I left the ticket for her to scratch off, a tiny pause in her tedious day.  Today, when I went to the store Erica yelled: “Tom, you won!”  She handed me $50 and the winning scratch-off ticket.  And I gave her a share, and will share with Abby and the others as I see them.  God’s little blessings in our day are meant to be shared.

I thank the Father for giving me friends, help for the journey
--- whether to help carry my cross, or share in His blessings.