Mountain Cold

I’ve always had a love affair with the mountains. Affair might be the wrong word since I did call them home for many years. Their power, beauty, and mystique provide hours of reflection, pages of inspiration and a general ascent of my soul towards He who is transcendent. It’s the dirt of the trail and the apex of the mountain unified in one screen shot – repeatedly - for one’s panoramic view. In particular, my romanticized notion of winter in the mountains recalls the blanket of a royal blue sky dotted with a full, golden moon, draped over the first snow fall, gently hushing the town (population: 125).

There is stillness to winter that mingles with an expectant hope. The snuggling in bed with stories and hot chocolate after warming by the fireside is greeted with an anticipatory wiggle of what to play in the a.m. Deciding between a snow ball fight, snow angel making, or a good walk in the snow, one drifts to sleep to the wind clamoring against the side of the cabin.

It’s colder in the mountains; yet it seems there is a better understanding of how to enjoy the cold. A few years ago, I met two German girls while traveling who insisted: “There is no bad weather, only bad gear!” They spoke about pristine winters and the harsh reality of battling the elements. However, they demonstrated a keen understanding that not only must we know our circumstances but also how to enjoy them. Let us be self aware enough to see where we don’t see as God does and let us humbly enjoy whatever season we find ourselves in realizing the good Lord provides in all seasons, gifts that are good, and a shield of protection.

St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us. Verso l’alto, K.G.R.C.

Can the child within my heart rise above?

Can I sail through the changing ocean tides?

Can I handle the seasons of my life?

*Still a personal favorite!*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDbWsnjb6a8

And because of You, I come alive

It’s your sacred heart within me beating

Your voice within me singing out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejVgDKHiO8k

I look at my pain in His hands

Filling the holes, and I understand

And finally see how suffering has opened the gates for me

As the water flows my heart it knows

We have danced in fields of gold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX3svkiRyNc#t=120

Star Studded Wonder

There were four in the bed and there wasn’t a spare inch to be found. Three of them nestled together, sleeping head to foot, foot to head, head to foot. I squished into the corner of the top bunk, since my legs were designated pillows. I’d say they tossed and turned but the truth is they just talked. The eldest requested me to braid her hair while the youngest excitedly proclaimed “I hope you come back really soon.” Only to break the silence minutes later by stating, “As much as I want you to come back really soon, I hope my mom comes back sooner!” Their imaginations ran wild and they narrated a night of wonder creating villains and heroes who encountered everyday plots with heroic virtues. Two hours later, I begrudgingly left their room realizing that was the only way they would actually go to bed.

“Kids are a gift, The only reason people don’t have more is for selfish reasons. I know that’s the case for myself,” she explained. It was a rather matter of fact statement and yet it provoked a flurry of questions for reflection, especially in light of the previous night’s joyful, wonder studded evening. Though she spoke of her hesitancy to receive the gift of more children, it made me realize that there are times when I refuse the gifts God’s giving. How do we see the gifts we’ve been given and yet construct certain boundaries to limit the love of God, to minimize the gifts He has given and wants to give? What gifts have I refused to accept from God because of my selfish reasons and selfish intentions erroneously thinking the gifts God offers contradict my way and my plans? What good gifts have I blocked – whether out of fear or selfish ambition - because the gifts didn’t come packaged as I expected or hoped?

As we prepare to celebrate the Epiphany this weekend, what gifts have you received from Christ this Christmas? What gifts have you received this year? Name the gifts; name the graces. At the start of a New Year, let us look forward with joyful and expectant hope. Let us replace worry with wonder and let us accept with grateful hearts the greatest gift He has given, the present of His presence. By the gift of Christmas, we know: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 3:15) “ This year let us resolve to leave His light on.

Verso l’alto,

Kathryn Grace

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu5RY94ldDc

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRnFJlTzDw4

Gimme faith, gimme love, 'Cause I need it!
Show me grace, make me strong, lemme feel it!
Where to go?, Can I walk?, To redemption?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGe9GnBBvcQ

We can leave the night on

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuMiMBjcvWU