View of Your Life

A quote from Catherine:

A religious ought not take a gloomy view of the passing events of her transitory life, but raising her heart and thoughts above them, view them all in the light of faith and love.

Today is my birthday. I was thinking of the journal entry my grandmother wrote on this day. "Joan born at 8:20, Oct.15, Hot day about 80." I was baptized four days later while my mother was still in the hospital. In those days the mother did not go to the baptism. As I look back, I recall my youngest brother's baptism. Mom was not there either.

I am reflecting back today on the birthdays I have had. It was so exciting when I was young. The anticipation was so great. We received our birthday gift at the breakfast table. The cake would be at dinner. As we got older we sometimes delayed the birthday cake to the weekend when grandparents and other family would be present. It was okay. My sister's birthday was the day before mine and my mother's birthday 5 days after. we had lots of cake that week!

As I recall all those memories, I also recall that it was in the light of faith within the family that we celebrated most events. There was always meal prayer, in October, the rosary at night. When much smaller, it was night prayer before going to bed.

Today may your life be filled with memories. I know mine will as I go about my day, thanking people for the good wishes and the cards, all signs of love, the love that first came when God and my parents loved me into being. Blessings on your day.