Dinner, presentations and adoration lit only by candlelight and in 40degree weather made for an interesting weekend.
God showed up in many ways. In the beginning with the ‘coincidences’ – four of the young women introduced themselves to each other and quickly found out they all had family ties to the same small town in Mexico! The next morning at Mass Fr. Arthur told a story in his homily that was very specific and related to a retreatant’s particular issue in such a clear and concise way, it was unbelievable! Fr. Arthur didn’t know that and I’m certain the retreatant had just met him and didn’t even have time to fill him in on what had been going on in their life. It was simply God showing up.
The messages given during the talks were enlightening and despite the fact the water cut OFF and then the electricy around 7pm Saturday night, the I believe it was a great success.
I was a little concerned I wouldn’t have anything to write about today in regards to Day 10, but never fail, I should never worry. When I got home from the retreat the only thing I wanted to do was take a SHOWER and get some rest. When I walked in the door my son, Seth, asked if he could have a friend over. I was glad to say ‘yes’ as that would give him something to do. The first friend he asked was not able, so he asked about another friend. Not thinking clearly I agreed and before I knew it Seth was handing me the phone so I could talk to the child’s mother. In a daze I made plans and put my hat and coat back on to head out the door to take Seth to his friends house…30 minutes away!!! I didn’t realize he had asked the one friend in his class how lived the furthest away! I was so distraught and so EXHAUSTED. I literally wanted to CRY because, yes, selfishly I wanted nothing but to take a HOT SHOWER and REST but now I was back in the car driving and as we headed in that direction I realized I couldn’t come back home because the little boy could only play for an hour or so. I was stuck. To dispell the frustration I had to say silent Hail Mary’s to keep me from a path of inner distruction.
Did I say I was TIRED?
But, as I should know, God doesn’t ask me to ‘show up’ only when I’m alert and refreshed. When I got to the young boy’s house his mother had the same look on her face as I did. She began to confess that she didn’t realize what she was saying when we made plans and that it probably wasn’t the best timing for a play date. The boys stood there and looked at us with long faces and round pleading eyes. She turned to me and said, “Why don’t I get you a cup of tea and let them play for a bit.” I couldn’t deny her, I’d already driven 30 minutes to deliver Seth. For the next hour she and I began to unravel the mystery of first time acquaintances and before we knew it the conversation flowed easily and the time flew by.
It was a nice visit and I’m glad I got to meet a new friend. And now I have all night to rest and relax. It all comes together when it is for the greater glory of God.
Blessings
Shannon