Trial by Fire - Sirach

“My son, when you come to serve the LORD, prepare yourself for trials.
Be sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in time of adversity.
Cling to him, forsake him not; thus will your future be great.
Accept whatever befalls you, in crushing misfortune be patient;
For in fire gold is tested, and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust God and he will help you; make straight your ways and hope in him.
You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy, turn not away lest you fall.
You who fear the LORD, trust him, and your reward will not be lost.

You who fear the LORD, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy.”

Sirach 2:1-9

Love this and pray to find the grace to live this.  Halfway through week 2 of flu symptoms here.  Losing patience, and looking to be grateful for trials... but a toddler, who is toilet training, suffering Montezuma's revenge is not pretty... I keep hearing words from dear Mr. Toad from the Wind in the Willows - poop, poop!

Powerful Moment...

Yesterday, the children and I were on the way to my sister's home to pick up some much-appreciated and always fabulous hand-me-downs... While waiting at a red light, I looked at the car to my right, also stopped.  There was a young woman, about 18, who looked like what I would Imagine my Libby (6 yrs. old) to look like as a young woman.  It really, really hit me.  I begged the children's attention and told them to "stop, look around, I want you all to remember this moment, and how much I love you, how much I thank God for each of you."  It was one of those moments when Heaven felt so near and everything was so clear... this is what is important, right here, right now.
These precious moments are going by to quickly...  I have GOT to remember to savor every moment.  I pray for the grace to find joy in each moment, including the cross-bearing ones.