J
esus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No."
He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. (John 21:5-7)
Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5b)
This week I've been watching parents of the young people slain at Virgina Tech trying to make meaning out of the lives of their lost children, and each one seems to begin by focusing on something joyful about that child. It's a gift that most humans have brains wired to respond in that way. For some of us it can be harder to work our way out of dark places, but I believe joy remains the key. It is the spirit of resurrection.
Tell us about five people, places, or things that have brought surprising, healing joy into your life.
First let me say that I think Peter had it backward. Why did he put ON his clothes to get into the water!?
1) My sweet husband, Ken. We have our challenges like any couple, but he makes me smile every day. He is a real treasure in my life.
2) My Maltese dogs, Josie and Boudreaux. Sometimes when I'm stressed out at work, I go home for lunch just to get some doggy kisses and unconditional love. Heart rate - drops - instantly.
3) My church and the community there.
4) Jazzercise - something I NEVER thought I'd like!
5) My teachers - including therapists: Dr. Newsom, Eva, Cindy, Jo; my spiritual teachers, including Eva, Fr. Jeff and Pat; my women teachers, including my mom and my three sisters.
Here is Fr. Jeff on his last day at St. Francis. The party hat represents the big party in Heaven that he used to tell us we were all headed for. :)
