Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Phillippians 8-9
Being a Greek Orthodox Christian, this is my Holy Week and this past Sunday was Palm Sunday. It felt wonderful to be in church early to read the epistle (the above passage). My sister Mary has thankfully come to stay with Mom a whole week leading up to Greek Easter. Though I have loved spending time with my mother, I am loving the nice bit of freedom I will have this week. (Thank you Mary!)
Church filled up fast on Sunday. Many people came; lots of beautiful children and babies (which I just love). Father E. read the gospel about the last days of Jesus and the oil that smelled so good. Palms were handed out at the end of the service, molded into the shape of a cross. There was a fish dinner afterwards and Mom was able to see many of her friends that she has missed for months. It was a good day.
One of the most touching sights in church was the candles, lit by practically everyone who entered. It was amazing to see them ablaze, lighting the back wall of Narthex. Even one of my fellow council friends remarked on the specialness of them. I thought of them as kisses for God, as if every one of us was sending kisses to heaven and perhaps to loved ones who have passed on.
I have to tell you about the feeling I had being back in church. After many months of devotion to mom, I felt a peace, a gratitude to God for all the blessings in my life. My mom is recovering, I have a new life (minus my job!). Some things are different, some things are the same. Some things feel really good and my relationship to God feels another level deeper.
Maybe you have a special form of prayer or something you do which gives you this same feeling? Maybe it’s your church or a walk in the woods that does it for you. Maybe you feel that feeling of connection when you ride a gentle horse, run or walk on the beach. Perhaps you feel it when you kiss your baby or do the poses of yoga. You name it; maybe this provides the same feeling for you as my church does for me. What would you do without it? Would things feel the same?
I am grateful I have my church to go to. It is there I can connect and feel even closer to God.
What is your favorite form of spiritual connection? What moves you deep inside?
Happy Holy Week to you. It seems like I was asking about your Greek Orthodox celebrations just a day ago; how the time has flown. I love your image of kisses to God. I remember a lay preacher saying that we can, at times, be so overwhelmed by our need for God’s help that we can forget that God likes to be thanked too. I guess you could add kisses and hugs to that too.
Time has certainly flown and it’s hard to believe it’s Holy Week already! I just had to write about those kisses for God. It was a spiritual moment for me and you are right. I do think he would love hugs and kisses…xo
Your picture of the candles taken at Church is full of deep awe and wonder…the same that fills this most Holy of Weeks (for our Orthodox brothers and sisters). There is a deep mysticism in the Orthodox Church that those of us in the Latin based churches miss out on—which I think is a shame. I am glad you’ve gotten a bit of a break from being care giver. This broken ankle of mine has given me more “break (no pun intended) time” than I care for 🙂
I know what you mean when you speak of life being different minus the job–it’s a time of new discoveries and new roles–some are hidden and difficult to discern–but they are there, just waiting.
I wish you and your family happiness as you look forward to celebrating the Glorious Resurrection and a time of true discovery throughout the Spring –remember that when you need some time of mental R and R during your time of being your mom’s caregiver–I’m down here in Georgia ready to listen 🙂
Blessing and Peace—
Julie
Hi Julie! I hope your ankle feels better soon. It is a wonderful time of year and I am feeling more and more grounded in spirit and well being. Blessings to you for your continued beautiful writing on your lovely blog…Joanne
Funny because I should feel God more when a church is full of His people, but strangely I feel closer to Him when I’m in an empty church. I think it’s the quiet, the peace, the serenity it gives off.
You life sounds like it has more God space in it. That’s good. Enjoy all the moments of blessing.
Hugs,
Marianne xo
Marianne, I feel definitely more “God space”! And I understand what you mean about empty, quiet spaces. Blessings to you as always my dear…xo Joanne
Hello, your writing was so full of love and peace. It felt lovely to read what you were sharing.
May your Holy Week be a blessing to you and your family.
May you bathe in the goodness of each other.
Hugs from the left coast. D
Hello my friend, I am feeling love and peace. Your writing does the same for me. Hugs from the right coast! xo Joanne
Good day, dear Joanne…I read your comment today, and came by to wish you a joyous Easter. May the Lord’s sweetness pour over you in all its glory today and everyday…Amen.
Marianne xo
Thank you Marianne! I have had so much grace the last couple of days I think your wish for me has come true already! xo Joanne