On our last episode of Good Things Radio (Episode #006: Tidal Wave of Emotions”) one of the things Jennifer and I talked about was a recent trip to Florida, and some of the highs and lows from that experience.
The “highs” were many! Warm sunshine, visiting family, seeing new places, and no dishes to wash (high-five! :)).
We also went to Walt Disney World! I was worried that Karolina would struggle with all the stimulation, but she LOVED it! Seeing her joy was the greatest gift ever. Recalling that she was once in an orphanage halfway across the world and was now floating with happiness at Disney, was an overwhelming moment! Our Polish Princess! 🙂 Just look at that smile:
God is so good. The giver and source of all good things!
But of course, life is filled with light and dark, hills and valleys. For instance, see that picture-perfect scene in photo #1? Just moments after that was taken, one of my sons pushed the other into the reflecting pool behind us. Oh, and did I mention we were at a holy shrine?! And my poor, unsuspecting son was fully clothed (then subsequently fully soaked). It was a moment of true parental humility, in every sense of the word! I accepted the claim that it was a complete accident, and my soaked son accepted an apology from his bro. But needless to say, I walked away thinking we could never show our faces in that place again. The silver lining was that my son got some badly needed new summer shoes (since we were far from the hotel and his sneakers were dripping), and I also believe they will always remember visiting that church! Lol.
We also struggled with meltdowns (which I described in our Podcast) but in the end, it was another reminder to just “lay it down” at the cross. To do the best I could, then surrender everything else to the Lord. I’m still working on that, but prayers and chocolate help. 🙂 One of the prayers I ran across is called “A Prayer for Hope” by Bernard of Clairvaux. We shared it at the end of our Podcast and I wanted to post it here, for you.
“O you, whoever you are, who feel that in the tidal wave of this world you are nearer to being tossed about among the squalls and gales than treading on dry land, if you do not want to founder in the tempest, do not avert your eyes from the brightness of this star. When the wind of temptation blows up within you, when you strike upon the rock of temptation, gaze up at this star, call out to Mary. Whether you are being tossed about by the waves of pride or ambition or slander or jealousy, gaze up at this star, call out to Mary. When rage or greed or fleshly desires are battering the skiff of your soul, gaze up at Mary. In dangers, in hardships, in every doubt, think of Mary, call out to Mary. Keep her in your mouth, keep her in your heart. Follow the example of her life and you will obtain the favor of her prayer. Following her, you will never go astray. Asking her help, you will never despair. Keeping her in your thoughts, you will never wander away. With your hand in hers, you will never stumble. With her protecting you, you will not be afraid. With her leading you, you will never tire. Her kindness will see you through.”
Our beautiful Mother!
I pray you all have a wonderful week. Thank you everyone who has ordered our new CD. Your encouragement and support means more than you know.
God bless you, my friends!
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