Independence Day Hope

July 4, 2019 by Mary

A time to love… and a time for peace.
From Ecclesiastes 3:8

It’s Independence Day and precious memories fill me up…

My husband and I have enjoyed celebrating July 4 since our first summer together. When our sons came along, they added exponentially to these observances. We live near the center of our community on a cul-de-sac which was once filled with children. Our location allowed us to enjoy local fireworks displays from the comforts of our front yards which added to my affection for this holiday.

My earliest Independence Day memories include my own family’s quest for the best fireworks around. This was particularly important sixty years ago. My dad passed away early that morning. Helpful relatives whisked us kids away for our annual family picnic in an effort to give our mom some peace. I’m certain my well-meaning aunts and uncles wondered if any sort of celebration was appropriate that day. Though I saw no fireworks that night, I’ve found great solace in the displays I’ve observed every year since. Colorful lights bursting in the black sky suggest resurrection to me. As I watch, I imagine that my dad’s passing into eternal life must have been even more glorious. While those sparkling displays above dissolve into smoke and ash, my dad’s transformation continues for all of eternity.

On this 60th Anniversary of his first day in heaven, I’m asking my dad to rally all of the good will at his disposal and to shower it over this country and our entire world. Perhaps Daddy’s effort will nudge us all to do our parts in working toward world peace. What a miracle it would be to celebrate July 4, 2019 without a gun being fired or a harsh word spoken anywhere!

Loving God, inspire us to use the gift of our freedom to transform this world into a haven of peace for all people.

Sweet Memories

December 14, 2018 by Mary

A family record of Jesus Christ…
Matthew 1:1

Before preparing this year’s Christmas Cards, I updated my Christmas Card addresses. As time passes, I find that this task takes longer and longer because my stockpile of memories continues to grow. Usually, I smile my way through this work in response to the images of loved ones that dance in my head. The other day, I did the same when I lingered at our wall of family photos. This year, my encounter with my address file was bittersweet. A renewed sense of loss emerged each time I came to the name of someone who has passed away since last Christmas. I told myself that I know these loved ones are rejoicing more than ever this year. With that, I giggled at a mental picture of that amazing party!

When I finally returned to the task at hand, I discovered that bits of hope, peace and joy were making their way to the surface. When I finally printed those address labels, I offered a share of that hope and peace and joy to these loved ones. I also thanked them for bringing me the same over the years.

Caring God, Jesus taught from the heart and soul of a family member and friend who fully understands our joys and our sorrows. Thank you for sending Jesus as one of us!

Prepare Joyfully!

November 26, 2018 by Mary

There shall be no harm or ruin on my holy mountain
for the earth will be filled with the Lord…
From Isaiah 11:9

A few weeks ago, when my husband complained of a sore shoulder, I cringed. Suddenly, five-year-old memories from my own shoulder repair returned. “Ugh! I wouldn’t wish that on anyone,” I told myself, “especially Mike!” That year, I’d timed the surgery so that Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations would distract me from the painful recovery which I was warned would come. I’d deluded myself into thinking that I’d somehow be of use when it came time to decorate, shop for gifts and bake. As it happened, nothing could have been further from the truth. Fortunately, the pain subsided and I learned to put my incapacity to good use. As a result, I embraced the approaching Christmas Season with contemplative fervor.

As I considered my poor husband’s aching shoulder and his aversion to any intervention at this time of year, I decided to encourage him to do what I’d done five years ago. I announced that, with so much to do, he and I needed to pace ourselves. Happily, this is precisely what we’ve done. We’ve organized, prioritized and simplified just enough to allow ourselves to feel that we actually will be ready for Christmas with time to spare. The best part of this is that our moods inside have been as energizing as the brisk winter breezes which urge us on whenever we’re outdoors. So far, so good!

Will you join me in organizing, prioritizing and simplifying your to do list as well? Trust me. Once you start, this will become easier than you think! I assure you that God’s Christmas Spirit will be with you all the while.

Loving God, help us to anticipate Christmas with your resounding joy!

Be Hospitable

November 20, 2018 by Mary

“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd.
By now they have been with me for three days
and have nothing to eat.”
Mark 8:2

When I glanced at the calendar this morning, I saw that Thanksgiving is just two days away. Thanksgiving is also the feast of St. Cecilia. This is my sister’s feast day. Since she passed away six years ago, these little reminders of her always give me reason to celebrate her. This is a great way to spend these pre-Thanksgiving days.

Cecele is a lot like our mom who was a hospitable woman. She opened her door to whoever knocked, offering a chair, a cup of coffee and whatever else she had to her guest. Though our kitchen table was already crowded, my mom extended her welcome to our friends who occasionally stayed for dinner. After our mom passed away, Cecele led the effort in scheduling our family gatherings. She also elicited just enough guilt from the rest of us to ensure good attendance every time.

Today, our mom’s and Cecele’s welcoming ways live on in the rest of us. We continue to take turns hosting our family gatherings where food and laughter are plentiful. Though our attendance isn’t as complete as it used to be, we still enjoy good times in good company. I’ll remember to thank God for this as I prepare to partake of Thanksgiving Dinner!

Dear God, you bless us with our families. Help us to show our gratitude by extending our hospitality beyond our homes to those who need us most.

Time To Wait

November 19, 2018 by Mary

Jesus went into the district of Tyre.
He entered a house and wanted no one to know
about it, but he could not escape notice.
Mark 7:24

It’s Thanksgiving week… While standing in a linear mass of humanity at the checkout this morning, I whispered a prayer of gratitude for those retailers who’ve agreed not to open their doors on Thanksgiving Day. Of all of the holidays we celebrate in this country, Thanksgiving Day is the one we can enjoy without regard for any of our religious affiliations or lack thereof. So it is that I said, “Blessed be those employers whose workers will enjoy the holiday with their families this year!”

With that, I returned to my grocery list to see that I had everything I needed. A voice from the front of the line distracted me from my work. This person remarked that he would be wealthy if he had a dollar for every minute he spent waiting. As he hurried out of the store, I chuckled to myself. I had already found wealth in these seemingly wasted moments when nothing more than to wait was demanded of me. While the world rushed about me, I found the time to contemplate my blessings and their Generous Source.

Perhaps this is the reason Jesus often rose early and stole away for quiet time. The scriptures tell us that Jesus’ moments of peace were usually disrupted by those who needed him. The same is too often true of you and me. Still, as Jesus did, we find the time to respond and then to sneak away once again.

Dear God, this world of ours grows busier every day. Still, help us always to find the time to love one another as you do.

Get Ready!

November 29, 2017 by Mary

On that day,
A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse…
Isaiah 11:1

Advent 2017 begins this Sunday. Once again, we’re given four weeks to engage in joyful anticipation of Christmas. Most years, it’s extremely difficult for me to find the time to truly and joyfully anticipate this feast. There’s just so much to do! As I look ahead to the next twenty-six days, I’ve decided to try to recapture the simplified life-style of my youth. This year, I’m going to prioritize, organize and enjoy the wait for Christmas. Though I realize I addressed this very thing quite recently, it bears repeating. It is in all of our best interest to find a do-able, productive and happy path to Christmas Day.

Will you join me on this path by seeking a bit of simplification as well? Though none of us can shirk all of our responsibilities, we can all probably let a few things fall to the wayside. Trust me. Once you start, this will become far easier than you expect!

As for me, I’ve already urged my dear husband in this direction. We’re starting to decorate a few days earlier and we’re already assembling our shopping list. We’re simplifying menus and preparing our Christmas cards earlier as well. Yes, this business of simplifying life can become habitual! Enjoy!

Loving God, help us to take joyful steps to Christmas Day.

Mary Penich

Author & Speaker

Tag Archives: Holidays