“Hope frees us to live in the present, with the deep trust that God will never leave us.” Henri Nouwen
Over the past few days, we could never have imagined the swiftness with which the world would change all around us. Last night someone shared with me the line, "This is the lentiest lent that ever lented!" Although this may sound strange, it also rings true!
We Glenn and Chantelle, here are also feeling the pain of the disconnect with others such as our associates and volunteers, those who come here often. We realise that although we can't be together in physical proximity, we are perhaps, more deeply connected with each of you than before. We are connected through our suffering and prayer. Our longing to once again open wide the gates of our home...your home grows each time we feel our limitations.
This blog is our effort to help us all remain connected, to express our thoughts, fears, prayers and new understandings as we live this unprecedented experience together! We invite you to stay in touch through the comments. Most of all we
wish to you the Peace of Christ which is beyond all understanding! Shalom.
wish to you the Peace of Christ which is beyond all understanding! Shalom.
Day Two of this new time, waiting for the new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17)
ReplyDeleteSo much of my life I've looked forward to something so that I could be happy. Maybe it was something big like (when I was 15) when I could get my driver's license. Or maybe something small, like finishing a distasteful task. To the extent that I am able to pay attention to the equal value of every moment, no matter what it is, there is a new heaven and a new earth for me.
DeleteAs I have spent these days in isolation, I have pondered what newness God is trying to bring about within me. For each of us will need to become "new" within ourselves if we are to be part of God's creating anew. When I felt so badly at having to cancel my time at QHP I recalled what my spiritual director said to me a few months ago - "You are your House of Prayer". So now I have the gift of time to sit in stillness with my Lord, and allow his work to be done in me, so that I will be part of the new heavens and new earth.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Communication is such an important part of living the Christian life.
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ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful idea! I think of you every day - Chantelle and Glenn- and of the hills, and living creatures all around!! I miss the vacuum cleaner, but I miss you more! On the other hand, I love how the world has slowed down, and I can't recall the last time I had so much opportunity to paint and create, to take quiet time, spend beautiful time outdoors. For the last few days, I have turned off the news and social media (mostly) and gone more within. Sending love to you both, and to the land, lake and sky and all who live in between, underneath, on or above!
ReplyDeleteThe comment above was from Sue aka Poached Egg Woman
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, we miss you here!!! The Vacuum misses you too!! May you continue to find hidden creative capacity as we live this time.
ReplyDeleteThank you Glenn for this invite to be part of this community of prayer online. I am an anchorite at heart, so being "walled in" is not a great discomfort for me. I think of Julian of Norwich, during the Black Plague. Her prayers I am sure helped many. In prayer we can hold the world's pain and its goodness in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteDear Chantelle and Glenn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for setting up your blog in a new way during this "Lentiest of Lents" - Yes, we too heard that comment from Don who heard it from ? - the Archdiocesan website, which we never enter, has now kept us connected with Regina roots, and so much appreciated, like this website. Now that I feel fully in my "covid-19 retirement" I have time to browse a computer.
David is meditating while he paints flowers with acrylics. We enjoy walks together and having each other. Know you both & QHP are in our daily prayers of gratitude for God's goodness.
Love, Karen & Dave
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ReplyDeleteAs some of you know, I have placed myself on 14 days of complete isolation as I might have been compromised. I have ten days left to go. Having all the time I want for prayer and reflection, I have also found that what usually was hum-drum housework can become a gift when there is lots of time for it, and one doesn't need to find the time to fir it into a busy schedule. So I spent three days cleaning, tidying, and organizing my basement, and this morning thoroughly cleaning my oven. And have been using our treadmill each day after several years of ignoring it.
ReplyDeleteGod has such a wonderful sense of humor in the gifts he sends our way.
Blessings of peace and joy to all.
Judith
God has such a wonderful sense of humor in the gifts he gives us!
I was pondering today who my mentors might be - those that were "isolated", and found there great depth, and God's presence:
ReplyDeleteAnne Frank - in an attic
John of the Cross, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, both imprisoned
Victor Frankl, Etty Hillesum, both in concentration camps
Ignatius of Loyola - in a cave
These are my mentors during this time. Their writings are an inspiration!
Loved "your story" Chantelle - Spirit-filled!
ReplyDeleteLook forward to the day that brings me back to the House of Prayer!
Easter/Pentecost blessings...
Alice. SNJM
Would be great to have you come! You are more than welcome!! It is your home too!
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