Mark 4:35-41
Meditatio/Reflection:
A couple of years ago, I led the March for Life trip to Washington, D.C. for a group of seniors. One of the evenings we were reflecting on our experience at the march. The discussion turned to what we can do about life issues, especially because they seem so much bigger than us. I brought up this story, and how we can look to Jesus' disposition on the boat which was about to capsize. He is sleeping. He is at peace. Even in the midst of the storm, he is not anxious.
This also reminds me of when Liam (our second oldest, currently 4 years old) was going through a period where it took at least an hour each evening to put him to bed. I think he was around 14-18 months at the time (my memories are not so clear from the kiddos' early years...). Every night, I would pray with him, sing songs, and put him in his crib where he dutifully lay down. But then any time I tried to leave, he would start screaming. It got to the point where I would kneel down and slowly back out of the door and very slowly close the door so that he might not see me leave. One night, I had been trying to get him to sleep for about 45 minutes. I lay him down, I very slowly left the room, I closed the door. I didn't hear anything for about five seconds and so I silently rejoiced. And suddenly Liam started screaming. And so in my prayer, I shouted at God, "What do you want from me?" And his response, clear as day, was, "Just be." And I was flooded with peace, knowing that I was not alone and that I could be at peace in the midst of this storm. And so I went back in and worked for another hour to get him down.
That statement, "Just be," has been with me since. I try to recognize when I'm getting overly anxious about something at work, or if I'm being short-tempered with my kids, and I ask God again what he wants from me. And that same peace that he offered a couple years ago is available in those moments.
Oratio/Thanksgiving:
Lord, thank you for my kiddos and how you call me to love them. Thank you for how you are present to me in the hard moments when I feel like I can't take it anymore.
Oratio/Prayer Intentions:
Lord, bless all of those who have a hard time seeing you in difficult times and help them find the peace that you offer in those moments.
Mr. Crane's Song of the Day:
Jonny Diaz, "Breathe"
Saint Quote of the Day:
