1. Bishop Callahan, an auxiliary bishop of Milwaukee, presided at an Epiphany Mass at our parish. My sons, John and Justin served as acolytes and the rest of my family brought up the gifts. After Mass, Bishop Callahan held both of my hands within his and thanked me for all that I do. Is it possible to ever grow weary of hearing those two words-thank you?
2. An elderly man complimented me on my smile. He said he felt as if he had known me for 100 years. (Is that a compliment, or an insult?)
3. I became a camera magnet and was videotaped for two news broadcasts and "Living our Faith" an Archdiocesan television program while I was at the Solemn Vespers for Archbishop Listecki. One of the news segments made it to you-tube. Crazy!
4. Knife pierces tomato and withdraws juice. I love the sound of the knife as it scrapes against the cutting board. Preparing dinner for my family is so very satisfying.
5. My boss sent me an email wishing me a Happy Anniversary. She and I began our jobs together 13 years ago on January 6th. Not many people are fortunate enough to say that they love their jobs. I am one of those fortunate people.
6. I received a Christmas card in the mail from Archbishop Dolan! It blows me away that a man as busy as the Archbishop of New York would take the time to send a Christmas Card to a piddly person from his former diocese. Even if it was a mass sending by his secretary, it still feels good to be remembered. Keep 'em coming Archbishop, you sure know how to make a girl happy!
7. I had the opportunity to peruse my spiritual director's bookshelf, something I've long wanted to do. Fr. Don graciously loaned me a book called "Saints are not Sad" with the life stories of forty saints. It was compiled in 1949 and is very well written. So far, my favorite saint in the book is St. Malachy. This man had a sister who lived a sinful life and the good saint cut off all contact with her. After she died, he continued to pray for her soul. He had several dreams about her, first she was standing in a courtyard, complaining that she hadn't eaten in 30 days. Then he saw her at the threshold of a church, dressed in black. In the next dream she was wearing grey, within the church but not allowed to come near the altar. Finally, she was among the white robed and she shone with glory. What a hopeful image for the afterlife!
Tucked inside the pages of this book was a beautiful vintage bookmark with a picture of Jesus and the words "Good Book Good Friend". It reminded me of the lovely Holy Cards found at Micki's blog. And the words were a good description for the experience of finding a good book from my good friend, Fr. Don!
It was a blessed week, and when I am tempted to complain about the difficulties of life, I hope I will remember these seven wonderful quick takes and turn my complaints to praise!
