Nov 17, 2024

Living in Unconditional Love (193)

 

“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.

11/17/2024                                                    Saw my first snowflakes of the winter this past Tuesday. They melted as soon as they touched down as the temperature was 40, but they did fall. It was rain down in Whitney Point proper, but I had snow on my hill. I expect to see much more as the time progresses. The garden only requires the burlap on some of the bushes that the deer would otherwise eat, and it will be ready. The stakes marking the driveway for the snowplow are in and all else is prepared. The snow tires are on the car, so all is ready.

I have caught quite a few mice around the house, but nothing the past few days so maybe I have got them all. The traps are scattered around the house. I caught one in the pantry, so I must take everything out, watch for mice tears, and clean it, so I am using the opportunity to toss old and expired things, and that is most things I did not know were there. It is amazing how much flour I had, and I rarely use flour except for the Christmas cookies I make in December.

I had a surprise visit from my grandson Hayden and a friend on Saturday. They had been birding nearby and stopped in to say hi. Hayden brought flowers that are beautiful and a waxed amaryllis that should be beautiful when it blooms. Interestingly, the waxed version requires no water or soil to bloom; it is in a metal frame that will sit on the shelf until it blooms.

The view from my windows is stunning as always, even when the leaves are gone, and the beautiful bare branches are waving in the wind. It has been almost cloudless every day except for last Tuesday when I had the snowfall; quite chilly but very clear.

From what I have read, over one-third of those who could have voted didn’t. It is one of the lowest voting rates in modern history. It is a sad commentary that could cause much damage to our country and the world. T is already talking of camps similar to the shameful camps the Japanese were placed during WWII, and firing any general who he believes would refuse to follow his orders were he to order something against our own nation.

This is what our nation has voted for and apparently wants.

Meditation

Gentle One, place all under Your care, as many sad things will occur over the next four years or more. I have been blessed all my life and the short time I have left I will continue to be blessed, but I am praying for all who will be directly and indirectly impacted by the actions of the president. Help me to reach out and touch where I can help those in need, even if I can only offer good wishes.