Reflections – Page 62

Just for Now

A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. ~ St. Basil the Great

This has been a very unusual Great Lent. Granted, each year is different, no two are ever alike. There’s different struggles and temptations.

Through repentance, prayer, fasting and charity, Great Lent renews our minds, hearts and deeds according to His teachings. It refreshes our love for God and neighbour as oneself. During this quiet time of inner reflection, we prepare ourselves for the coming Great and Holy Day of Pascha (Easter), the Resurrection of our Lord.

Unexpectedly driven into global stillness and isolation, there’s an unprecedented general hush throughout our world. Whether we wish it or not, we have a rare opportunity of unavoidable introspection… individually and nationally.

We can see the best and the worst in ourselves. We see the selfless love, courage and compassion of others, during a trying time.

This year, the whole earth is united in a collective Great Lent. Together we wait with quiet hope and patience for Renewal.

Christmas Lights Bring Joy in March

O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. ~ Psalm 96:1

What a brilliant idea! Christmas Lights are being put up again outside people’s homes. Countless numbers of people are doing this.

The lights reflect a visible tribute of gratitude to our courageous community champions, who work the dangerous frontlines during this epic time. Valentine shaped heart cutouts appearing on homemade front yard billboards, windows, mailboxes and telephone poles, collectively honour them too.

At 7 pm each night in Canada and around the world, people in neighbourhoods everywhere stand on their front porches to give a two minute standing ovation for the essential services workers. Whether by clapping our hands, banging pots and pans, ringing bells, or cheering… we proclaim a united, appreciative THANK YOU for selfless dedication.

It gives goosebumps and an uncustomary lump in one’s throat hearing this resonate simultaneously throughout neighbourhoods and cities.

It’s not surprising two expressive symbols of Light and Love are being used to show our love and gratitude for others during this time. Christmas Lights reflect humankind’s hope and joy, celebrating Jesus Christ’s Birth. St. Valentine Hearts honour a special saint known for great faith and love for others.

During these trying times when we must practice physical distancing from each other, somehow we’ve grown much closer together in spirit.

God’s Beautiful Promise in the Sky

It’s a Rainbow sung by the G-G’s while we were baking cookies.

After a sudden tropical shower, this rainbow embraced each side of the golden-sand bay with its shining arms.

Like life, dark clouds had unexpectedly blown in, dumping torrential rain. Running to shore we sheltered beneath an ancient mango tree and waited patiently for the storm to play out. When the clouds scattered, the sun shone brighter than before. All was renewed and vibrant.

The rainbow is a covenant which means a promise from God, “This is the sign of My promise that never again shall there be a flood great enough to destroy all living things on the earth.”

Like Great Lent, each new rainbow reveals itself differently. If we reach out, look up, and hold fast in faith, they both bestow blessings of renewed hope and a vibrant Promise of life.