God is Good

I have a really good excuse for not blogging this past week. I was on a wonderful retreat called Cursillo. I am exhausted. All I can say is that this showed me that God has won and the world does not stand a chance.

He was a beauty

Sure we all made fun of his enthusiastic accent and his boyish wonder. We all cringed a little when we saw him feeding the crocks while carrying his baby, which I am sure to him seemed as ordinary as a farmer that might go for a tracker ride with his child. I must say however, that I always get hooked when I am flipping through channels and come across Steve "the Crocodile Hunter" Irwin. He died today while shooting an underwater documentary after being stung by a stingray barb in the chest. I always thought he was a little crazy, but that is what enthralled me. My heart and my prayers go out to his family.

Work is for the person, the person is not for work

As we are about to celebrate Labor Day here in the United States, I must admit that this holiday means a little more to me this year. I am reminded about how blest I have been and how grateful I am that God has provided work for me. I hope that I am able to honor God in my work and in all that I do.

The U.S. Bishops have released a reflection for us entitled "A Labor Day Reflection on Immigration and Work". It has definitely reminded me that we always need to look beyond the politics and rhetoric of any issue and focus on people. The Gospel reading for today also got me thinking about my mindset and approach to life. It reminded me that tradition and law are wonderful gifts from God to help us find him, but ultimately the only law is the law of love that he writes on our heart. That does not mean we ignore the things that help us live with each other in a "civilized" world, but if we are only focused on the law, or the economy, or our fear, we will never listen to the voice of our Creator whispering in our hearts telling us we are all created in his glorious image. We all are precious in his eyes.

As you fire up the grill this holiday, or hit the department store sales, or go to work so that others can enjoy the day off, think about what a gift life is and what a gift work is, and praise God for all that he has give you.