Between great and profound spiritual reflection with the group of young women at the institute, the experience of facilitating a retreat, lots of support from my sisters, and the gift of time with a dear friend, I am full and a bit unable to put into words what the past few weeks have held for me.
But I have been reflecting quite a bit on what it means to be a woman, in all its complexity and fullness—though part of the reflection came from the seeing the wonderful documentary about Mr. Rogers, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
I think the thing that was most beautifully and well conveyed in the film was the ability of Fred Rogers to take the complexity and fullness of humanity and simplify them into daily lessons and the call to love. (I did tell someone that I found the film to be very Benedictine—dailiness and love!)
Women have such an ability to be present to the dailiness of life while simultaneously maintaining perspective on the big picture—the creation of the reign of God. I’ve watched many women do this in specific and unique ways through the institute and other personal experiences. Each time I was awed, gobsmacked, and grateful.
Here’s to the women in our lives who daily teach us to love.
Let us walk in the holy presence.
While on a walk at the lake a friend pointed out how the fallen branch was still getting enough moisture to produce new leaves.
a beautiful wood carving of John the Baptist crying out
We did some pie making, which turned out to be quite tricky in hot, humid summer weather when crust requires very chilled ingredients! But the result was delicious!
prayer time with dripping candles
back into the beauty of Erie summers
