May 26, 2024

Living in Unconditional Love (168)

 

“Love flows from God to humans without effort:

As a bird glides through the air without moving its wings-

Thus, they go wherever they wish united in body and soul,

Yet separate in form.”

–Mechtild of Magdeburg

 

My wife Eileen died from esophageal cancer in February 2020 one year after being diagnosed, 60 years after we met on Long Island. Then my brother Tom became ill (not COVID), and I spent a total of six weeks being with him in Ohio, but he died in October 2020. My sister-in-law Sue Mahoney died from Covid-19 in January 2021. On top of it all stood the pandemic, locking everyone down almost two years. Covid has proved to be a persistent problem, and many of the long-term effects are quite serious, and it has proven much more serious than flu.

05/26/2024                                                    Memorial Day already! Oh well. This week has been sort of a lost week, as I have not felt well all week. But I believe I feel somewhat better than earlier in the week, as I was able to mow the lawn today (Saturday). It was becoming high and had to be cut. Mostly I just lay around dozing and resting and did nothing, not even my various hobbies of paintings and Legos. I still have a hacking cough and will not go to church to avoid inflicting others with that cough.

It was quite warm, into the 80s, but the AC worked well and kept the house comfortable. The lilacs peaked and are starting to diminish, and the azaleas are beautiful right now. I have not felt like going out for walks, but while mowing today I did travel around and was able to see them up close, and they are stunning. I am always amazed at the breadth of hues that azaleas have – reds, purples, yellows, orange, and more. I always love to see them bloom in the spring, one of my favorites. The iris are showing buds, and I believe they will start blooming this week. I love this season of blooming and look forward to it every year. The peonies are still not blooming (except for the one tree peony) but the buds are fat and ready to pop.

It has been fairly dry but hopefully some rain in the future. We could use it. But the grass is still growing quickly, so I guess things are still moist. It is supposed to cool down a bit and become more seasonal and that will keep some of the blooms around for a while.

I watch the world sadly, as it struggles to find some rest from the demands of those who wish to rule all and grab everything. There is not much I can do, as I am physically limited now and can only watch and turn it over to God to help. We have been given so much and yet so many desires more and more, and then they will join all of humanity and die. I would think they would realize that, and it would moderate their thinking, but it does not appear to do so.

Meditation

Gentle One, in put myself under Your care and rest hopefully in You. These days of slowing activity caused by my illness has given me pause and time to give myself more completely to You. The beauty of spring and breathtaking blooms You have surrounded me with are a wonder that keeps me enthralled with everything that exists. I am deeply grateful for this time of rest and pondering and wonder.