This is especially true for those of us who are healthy, sheltering in place, and working everyday to put life into perspective in our new normal. I have to admit I have been a bit distracted since writing the previous post - I'm feeling the need to keep my hands busy so that my mind doesn't wander off into "what ifs" or "when". All of which are out of my control.

One thing I've been doing to keep my mind focussed on the meaning of Holy Week and the incredible sacrifice that Christ made for each of us is to follow along with Father Richard Rohr at Center for Action and Contemplation. This happens to be week 2 of a retreat led by Father Rohr. Last week was intended to "shock" us  with difficult messages while this week's messages are intended to console: "Five Consoling Messages". I go in and out of following Fr. Rohr's daily meditations regularly, but this week's messages seems to be just what I need right now so thought I would share it with you. I believe we're all in need of a little nurturing, consoling, and reassurance that we're going to be ok.  We are going to be ok - we're going to be different - but we're going to be ok. One thing Father Rohr says in his opening message is: "...disorder plus order equals 're-order'". Fr. Rohr's plan is to get us re-ordered so were ready for the resurrection on Easter Sunday. Though we may not be back to what we all consider "normal" by Easter Sunday - we can have hope in Christ's Resurrection that we will be coming through this disorder and order and into our own new order. Life will be different but not without hope.

It's more important than ever to continue to focus on gratitude and rediscovering awe.

It may seem redundant, but not in any way minimized, to say how grateful I am for my family and friends. Most of our connections are virtual, by phone, or Zoom - but nonetheless, the connections are real and very much appreciated. I am also grateful for every day that we have our health and that we're able to shelter in place in a very comfortable. We are also so grateful for our little housemate "Tux". He brings joy and much needed exercise.

As we have more time to explore, through whatever means are available to us, we also have more time to rediscover awe around us...

* We have a pair of cardinals and a pair of orioles in our backyard and we get to see them every day. If we didn't spend as much time as we've been spending outdoors we may not have see these beautiful creatures up close and personal.

* A little repeat (see the photo from post #6)- we saw our first bob-cat about 50 feet from our pack enclosure - we've heard about these fellas since we moved to Arizona. Now we're affectionately calling this big guy "Bob's cat" - thanks to brother-in-law Chris. We would not have seen this amazing creature if we had not been sitting still and listening to the change in the bird calls which signaled an intruder.

* Last evening while walking Tux I saw something in a larger pear cactus - it looked like debris that may have blown there from the strong winds we've had recently - there was an orange peel, a piece of cloth and low and behold a mourning dove on her nest of babies.  Quite an awesome discovery which I would not have seen if I had been racing along at my normal pace getting my evening walk in just for the purpose of getting Tux to do his business.

* Definitely an awesome site not to be overlooked - last evening's full moon - the "pink moon" - actually golden here in the Arizon sky. The most awesome part of seeing the moon was knowing that my siblings across the country were seeing the same moon at the same time - such an awe inspiring way to connect!

When I put Christ's sacrifice and suffering in perspective of what I'm doing this week - my job is pretty easy and I know we will come out on the other side 're-ordered'. One of my favorite meditations is: Phillipians 4:6-7 "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understand will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (in short...pray about everything, worry about nothing).

It's critical that we remember our mission is to protect ourselves and others against the spread of disease - have a routine - be grateful - and rediscover awe.

Stay well - stay kind!