Reflective Reflections Reflecting Reflectance; Reflectometer

The following is a collection of thoughts meant to inspire my continued observations, and from which you, hopefully, may take some encouragement and thoughtful repose.

• Having recently attended a Memorial Mass for a former pastor of my parish, I was impressed with a the homilist’s description of the late priest’s latter years. He was in constant pain from injuries – then unknown – which he sustained in an automobile wreck earlier in his life. Though he NEVER ONCE complained, he would let others know he was in pain. Analogously, the homilist referenced the day’s scripture verse, Malachi 3:2b-3a “For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 3“He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver.” He recollected how one woman in his own parish had sought to learn about the process of refining silver, and had shared the silversmith said the silver MUST be held IN THE FIRE CONSTANTLY to purify it. She asked, “How do you know when it’s pure?” His reply was, “When I look into it and see my reflection.”

• I have endured hardship in my life, and historically, while some – but not all – of it seems to be resulting from my own actions, through it all, I have seen His provision and guidance. (“Persevere under discipline. God dealeth with you as with his sons; for what son is there, whom the father doth not correct?” Hebrews 12:7 DRB)

• Most recently, I have considered some hardship that I endured several months ago, even some hardship I endured out away from my home two years ago, I have seen God’s sustaining hand – even outstretched arm – in my life. And as I considered, though at the time I felt an immense sense of failure and shame from the turn of events, though I did no wrong – morally, ethically or legally. Else if I had, I would have been in trouble with various authorities, and I was not, nor am not.

• I have worked in environments that were in tumult or transition upon my arrival. I’ve felt very much like a “hired gun,” because I came to do a job – nothing more, and certainly nothing less. Consequently, I’ve not been at one location for any length of time. Some might see that in a negative light. But those observers did not see with my eyes, nor did they walk in my shoes. (Maybe I should make some addendum to my CV/Resumé, eh?)

• I wrote this entry on one of the photographs I posted to my Flickr site: “Sometimes, life’s a blur. Nearly a year ago, in faith I left Alabama for California. I recently left California. I’ve returned to Sweet Home Alabama. I’m glad. Sometimes also, our urges are so strong that we get physically sick. When led by our hearts, we rarely go wrong. Some say it’s “Head versus Heart.” I disagree. I think both can work in mutual cooperation. Yet on occasion, it also takes time for our heads to understand what our hearts already know.“

• Considering, as I have moved from one point or stage in life to another, it seems that certain events – which may be described by some as tumultuous – have accompanied or were precursory. Though at the times, my feelings were unpleasant, and I despised or later loathed what happened, I eventually moved on with my life, most often into something better.

• Afterward, I “sat on my thumbs” for a period of time, and “nursed” (or” licked,” take your pick) my wounds, doing little more than reading and staying away from the scenario – work – where I thought I was hurt.

• Considering further, had I NOT gone out West, I would have NEVER met the good people whom I did (and with whom I made fast friends), and whom had significant influence upon my spiritual development – and to whom I remain immensely grateful.

• A fellow nurse friend shared with me that “…spirituality and religion differ too much for me to concentrate on.. you will be happy to know that i did take a Humanities course and got an A (probably from my spirituality vs religion paper)“. Sharing further, I wrote also that “… the root meaning of the word religion. The Latin noun religio derives from the verb re-ligere or re-legere, that is, to re-unite, to bring back, to bind together. “Religion” thus marks the end of some state of disharmony, or alienation or estrangement, and denotes homecoming, reconciliation, and peace. – introduction, Dark Night of the Soul, by St. John of the Cross (1542-1591), Kurt F. Reinhardt, translator, editor, 1957 In later response, I shared that I seek integration of my life, rather than disintegration.

• When I shared with another professional colleague of my numerous and varied experiences in a relatively short period of time, she was amazed. It was encouraging to me when she chuckled at the comment I’d made about having a less-than-altogether pleasant experience traveling. It was an enormous encouragement, and it makes me wonder why I’d not earlier shared with others.

• I am becoming more open about my life, sharing with others.

• Something good is about to happen in my life.