The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

Today is the day that the Catholic Church commemorates the conversion of Paul.

The quote on the calendar on my desk today reads, "God's love is too deep for words to express." (Blessed Mary MacKillop)

It seems to me that the conversion of Paul is like that - a stunning expression of God's love that almost defies words.

You can read a little about the feast day here.

I've just recently started receiving a daily email devotion written by Richard Rohr, who had the following to say about Paul's conversion this morning:

Every person has to come to the God experience on their own. Conversion is a foundational change in life position, perspective, and finally, one’s very identity. After the transformation God is not out there any more. You don’t look at God as a separate identity; you look out from God who lives in you and through you and with you. That is a major shift, probably the most major shift possible for humans.



Like Paul, a converted person becomes convinced that they are participating in something bigger than themselves. After conversion you know you are being used, you know you are being led, and above all you realize your life is not all about you! You are about life! It is happening inside of you and all God needs is your “yes” and your participation. It is likely the hardest yes you will ever utter, because your years of habit will all shout “not possible,” “not me,” and “not worthy.”  (Richard Rohr)
 
You look out from God who lives in and through and with you after conversion.  That is a reminder that I needed today.

Tis Monday

Monday.

Snowing.

I woke up every 2 hours last night.

The weekend wasn't particularly restful, but I did manage to cram in some down time, thankfully.

Even if it wasn't restful, it was full of joy and celebrating with T and L.

I'm going to be a sister-in-law!  How cool is that?

I'm still staring at my mostly empty calendar for the coming week and rejoicing in it.

I have a myriad of little tasks to be done at home that have been waiting for my attention.

And I have a need for rest that is also needing some attention.

It'll be a full day today at work. 

End of the month payroll is due, and that's the payroll that takes the most time.

So, I'll work, I'll drive home, I'll do yoga and make dinner, and then I'll settle down to the list for the evening, which includes some restful reflective things, and some "just need to power through it" items.

Daily 5 - Day 165

Today's Daily 5:

1. Getting to be part of the big announcement of T. & L's engagement at church this morning.
2. I'm not going to be the only girl anymore!  I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I have two brothers, and all male cousins on both sides of the family.  I am quite literally the ONLY girl.  But now I get a sister-in-law and a little extra estrogen power :)
3. Went to T's choir concert tonight - was nice to finally manage to hear them sing.  And the music always moves me.
4. It was a day where I collected lots of hugs
5. Curly hair - my hair has been well behaved lately, and I've been able to wear it curly.  I love when my hair is curly.  It always makes me feel sort of pretty.
6. Wore one of the new pairs of jeans today - I feel really good in them.
7. Lots of moments for laughter
8. Realizing that some things I was quite nervous about are actually going to be really positive changes
9. The chance to journal this morning during the sermon
10. Actually slept a bit last night for the first time in a week.
    

Exciting News

I can now officially share with all of you that I am going to be a sister-in-law.

T. proposed to L. on Friday morning, and they made a public announcement at church this morning.  I've had the privilege of being with them to celebrate several times over the course of the weekend.  To make the occasion particularly meaningful, T. brought L's parents in from Ontario for the weekend, so that they were waiting for her with our parents when he brought her back to the house after proposing.

T. asked a mentor of his from the church, a friend of our family who has a great sense of humor if he'd like to help break the news to the congregation and our friend lept at the chance.

I managed to catch the whole thing on video this morning (tough to circumspectly have a camera ready when you're not supposed to know that anything will happen to interrupt the normal flow of the service!) The quality isn't great, but you can catch the important parts - especially how thrilled this congregation that has watched T. grow up and has delighted at having him on staff with Dad for the last few years were at the news.

Another Haiti Article

I'm sitting here checking facebook and catching up on some article reading, and came across this article from the New York Times about Haiti that a friend had posted to facebook.  It's definitely worth the read.