monday... what a monday.

Ah, yeah. Monday. Today was one of those days. Monday of Holy Week. I suppose today was our Lord's way of reminding me that hard things always precede glorious, beautiful things - just as the Passion has to come before the Resurrection. It definitely was not what I was expecting it to be, that much is for sure - and so I learn, yet again, the danger of planning my days! ;-)  In any case, it was a long day, certainly not devoid of good, but with more challenges, and more disappointments, than I'd anticipated (the biggest challenge of all, to be thankful for the disappointments!).

I did manage to go to Mass this morning, which was, as always, a great blessing. And I had an experience afterward that I would like to share with all of you. I'd paused for a few minutes after Mass to pray before leaving the church, and there were only a few people left in the church as I got up to leave. I walked out into the vestibule, blessed myself at the holy water font, and as I turned toward the door, an older gentleman approached me - I'd noticed him praying in the church after Mass. "I have something for you," he said, handing me a small card, "it's a prayer, and I know you'll like it. Please pray for me."

I thanked him, told him I would indeed pray for him, and wished him God's blessings. As he moved past me, back into the church, I looked down at the prayer card he'd handed me. The front showed a picture of Christ embracing someone, with the Holy Spirit as a dove overhead. On the back was a simple prayer-reflection that I feel the need to share with you all this evening. But first, I have to say that this encounter was definitely a gift from God. I don't claim to understand it, I just know it was a gift - and a reminder of God's presence, even in the midst of the day's challenges and trials.

The back of the card reads:

"Let Go, and Let God

Today I let go and I let God

take charge of this life of mine. 

Now in the dark corners of my soul, 

His light is beginning to shine. 

All of the cares and worries that

I have carried for so long

He has lifted them from my shoulders, 

and filled my heart with love. 

Problems that were overwhelming

suddenly seem very small, 

and come what may, starting today, 

I know I can handle them all. 

If you are troubled, 

'Let Go and Let God'

take charge of your life for you, and

however dark life's shadows seem, 

His light will come shining through." 

Have a blessed evening. Peace, and all good. +