 Humility is true knowledge.
Isn't that the truth? January 24 was/is the feast day of St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), one of my favorite saints. We're talking top ten and, excluding Biblical saints, right up there with St. Francis of Assisi. His many letters and teachings are so very beautiful, inspiring, encouraging. Moreover, he's the patron saint of writers. I wasn't able to post the 24th, but I do want to share a bit about this kind and loving teacher. Born into an aristocratic family in Swiss Savoy and eldest of 13 children, St. Francis had every worldly opportunity. As eldest son, he was expected to make an excellent marriage and accept a seat in the senate (offered to him by the Prince of Savoy). He received the highest education, first in Paris and then Padua, where he obtained a doctorate in law. During all of his university years, his only wish was to become a priest and serve God. A clear calling. I find it wonderful and extraordinary that a young man in Paris -- Paris, people -- and Padua would be absorbed in his faith and devotion to God. His father wasn't entirely pleased at first, but when he saw how truly sincere his son was, he gave his blessing. And isn't that a refreshing departure from the many stories of familial opposition? He was meant to be a priest, had wanted to be one since around the age of nine. He loved God and ardently desired the best for us. Peace is better than a fortune. You must do what you see can be done with love. Never be hurried in anything. Do all things calmly and in a spirit of repose. Do not lose your inward peace even if everything seems to be going wrong. What is anything in life compared to peace of soul? With the single exception of sin, anxiety is the greatest evil that can happen to a soul. He became the spiritual director of Jane de Chantal, who became St. Jane de Chantal, who with him cofounded Order of the Visitation, which ministered to widows and ill, abandoned women. He guided her primarily through written epistles filled with rich, spiritual lessons. Many of the letters were preserved and have come down to us. They are encouraging, inspiring, and filled with kindness. He wrote a lot. His most famous book, Introduction to the Devout Life, was a bestseller in his lifetime and beloved all over Europe. The same goes for his book Treatise on the Love of God. Everything he wrote, he wrote with great love and compassion. But he was faithful in his teachings, guiding us with love, redirecting us with patience and confidence. A man loses nothing by living generously, nobly, courteously, and with a royal, just, and reasonable heart. A little courtesy, a small virtue -- but the mark of a true greatness. You tell me you do not have the time to give two or three hours to prayer. Who asks you to do so? ...Who can prevent you from speaking to Him in the depth of your heart, since it makes no difference whether you speak to him mentally or vocally? Make short but fervent aspirations. A dear and favorite teacher... Look up to heaven, and do not forfeit it for earth. Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead! Let us go in the safekeeping of God.
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 Happy Sunday, Dear Ones!
This is the Day the Lord has Made! Let us rejoice and celebrate! How about yesterday? Yes, He made it, too! But I was blaaaah. I felt uncomfortable, frustrated, and grumpy. I was so busy feeling sorry for myself that I hardly prayed. The few times I did try to say a few words, I found myself wincing at how gripey I sounded -- not in words so much, but in tone! That's how very grumpy I was! Which is thoroughly ridiculous when I have so much to smile about. But there are days... You know? We might not know how or we might not have the right words or we might lack a prayerful attitude. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed and as if we cannot bear to talk to anyone. But prayer, even just a few words of thanks or complaint or anywhere in between, comforts. It can even provide surprising, instant relief. God is a great and patient listener and a wholly trustworthy confidante. Let us pray. Wishing you a blessed and beautiful day!  2024. Wow.
Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? Lately, I've noticed that lots of people prefer the term “goals”. A great many others get flustered or wave the notion away dismissively, even aggressively. I always write down resolutions. But I don’t count my list as a challenge. For me, January is a time of reflection, renewal, and peace. In the northern hemisphere, it’s deep winter. Even animals are hibernating. It’s calm and quiet, not frenetic. Even my fitness resolutions don’t set off alarm bells. Borrowing from Merriam-Webster: Resolve: - to deal with successfully, to clear up - to find an answer to - to make clear or understandable - to reach a firm decision about - to declare or decide by a formal resolution - to (make something) progress from dissonance to consonance I especially like that last definition -- from dissonance to consonance. Harmony. This year, I've neatly sectioned off my resolutions/goals/intentions. Without going into detail or getting too personal, here’s the outline: 1. Soul Health 2. Spirituality 3. Mind Health 4. Physical Health 5. Writing Life 6. Social Media 7. Love – as much as I possibly can. Each section or category has a short description plus a few “specifics”. Those are more personal -- more for your sake than mine. I’m pretty much an open book. But I will say that publishing the sequel to Tremors Through Time is one of the specifics. 😊 I don’t compose my list feverishly or with aggravation, irritation, shame, or any other negative emotion. This is me looking back over a year’s time, thinking, praying, and seriously considering what I need to do… Here’s the important part – I consider what I need to do to better be able to answer my calling, to share and to love and to serve. In other words, how can I harmonize my hopes, thoughts, actions, and purpose? My New Year’s Resolutions are between me and myself, but they’re not just about me. They’re also not massive promises to God or to anyone. They are not Reconciliation/Confession, although some might lead to that. It's simply a thoughtfully composed list of hopes, intentions, aspirations. I’ll even need help with them – from God and the angels He has placed in my life. They are nothing to be feared or irritated about. I don't necessarily need to "attack" them. They are good because even though they might seem to be about me – and so they are -- there’s much more to them than that. Wishing you joy and peace this year and always. |
A Little of This, a Little of ThatKeep me away from the wisdom that does not cry, the philosophy that does not laugh, and the greatness which does not bow before children. – Gibran Khalil Gibran Archives
January 2025
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