What Blessings Have Come as We Self Isolate

I had three Zoom meeting today and in a coupe of them we got to talking about the blessings that have come through this time of self isolation. Here are few that I remember: In major cities, air polution is down considerably as there are less vehicles on the road; college kids are home with their families (that blessing came from the parents--not sure the college kids call it a blessing); peole spending more tie outdoors--walking and talking, hiking; Getting more time to cook and prepare meals; families sitting down to eat together more often; more time for spiritual reading; I noticed we have had 250 people "attending" our daily Mass--that's about 10 times morethan our average.

Those are just a few... would love to hear some comments from you about what blessings you have found. Please share tehm in the comment section.

What Are You Reading? What Are You Watching?

I really don't know how long this shelter in place order will last. With that in mind, this morning I made three lists. The first list was a list of books that I want to read. The second was the shows I want to watch. Finally, I made a list of chores that I want to complete.

At the top of the first list is Being George Washington by Glenn Beck. And while I am not a big Glenn Beck fan I am a big George Washington fan, hence I am reading the book. I haven't gotten very far but I'm already impressed with Washington's ability to have a balanced response to each situation he encounterd in the Revolutionary War. The second book on the list is Fr. James Martin's Jesus: A Pilgrimage. It is based on Matin's tour of the Holy Land. It matches the historical site with the actual event from Jesus' life tha makes it historic. Maybe some day I'll lead a pilgrimage tot he Holy Land. This book will help.

What am I watching? I'm binge watching two things: Dowton Abbey (new to me) and The West Wing (which I've binge watched before). I also try to get a daily dose of The Price is Right. I remember watching that as a kid. I loved it then. I love it now. Drew Carey is okay, but I miss Bob Barker.

On my list of chores is to clean out my garage, the closets in my house and the computer files on my computer. But I doubt you care too much about that.

So what about you? What are you watching and what are you reading as you shelter in place?

Wisdom v Hysteria

This morning as I was praying I thought of the difference between wisdom and hysteria. Wisdom says we might be in this for a while and so I better buy an extra package of toilet paper. Hysteria says buy 10 packages. Wisdom says I better watch the news for a bit to see what is new. Hysrteria says I better not turn off the tv because I might miss something. Wisdom says I better check in with my parents and grandparents. Hysteria says I should call them every hour. There is, I think, a balance not only to be found, but to be sought after in this time. I'm praying today that each of us can find that balance.

"Be careful then how you are to walk, not as the unwise, but as wise..." Ephesians 5:15

Thoughts While Sitting at Home

Thoughts while sitting at Home:

Every so often people call me and ask...So what have you been doing while "sheltering in place"? I tell tehm this. I have always wanted to take a "stay"cation...you know, you stay home and get a lot of things done in the house that you couldn't typically do (clean windows, clean out closets, catch up on reading, etc.) That's exactly what I have been doing. I'd like to share some of the specifics with you.

This week I have cleaned out two rooms of my house, washed all of my windows and screens, and read a book by Dr. Henry Cloud called "Boundaries."  My carpets have quite a bit less dog hair on them (since I can vacuum them more often) and all my laundry is caught up. I also spent some time relaxing. Finally,  I enjoyed watching the Netflix series on Madame CJ Walker. I've exercised daily, but have unfortuntely eaten more than I typicaly do! All in all, it hasn't been too bad.

Some of you are aware that I was supposed to be in Austeralia this week to visit my nephew. This is not Australia but I've actually enjoyed my time at home.

What about you? Use the comment section to share how you have spent your first week of lockdown!