When I was growing up I would hear my parents say things that I thought were rather strange, “When I start to do something, I feel 21 years old in my head. Then when I start to do it, my body laughs at me!” Now that I’ll soon be 70 years old, my parents suddenly seem so wise! Isn’t that how it always is? I’m sure many of you have experienced similar events. But I have to say every morning when I wake up and feel the aches and pains I say, “Thank you Lord, I’m still alive.”
Reminiscing on these memories, I often wish my own nieces and nephews and their children would be more interested in hearing some of these stories of my own parents and grand-parents. Have you had a chance to share stories with your family? How have you done so? By recording the stories, sitting down with them, or have you even thought of doing it? We need to share our family stories so the younger generation will know who has been a part of their history. When I recently mentioned this to someone, the reaction wasn’t so positive. This person felt it was being morbid or as death was knocking on the door. I was surprised by the reaction since I think of it as sharing life, not death.
So please, take time to sit quietly and reflect on life and the many blessings we have received. Share these moments of blessings with the youngsters and help them see the beauty of God in our lives. We too often forget to look for the positives and focus at times, too much on the negatives.
May God bless you and your families abundantly.
Sr. Martha Ann Abshire, FMOL | VP for Mission Identity
Sister Martha Ann joined the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady in 1967. She is a graduate from Our Lady of the Lake Nursing School, as well as the University of Notre Dame in 1981 with a master’s degree in administration. She returned to Our Lady of the Lake in 1982 and started the Risk Management Program, and later became the assistant administrator at Our Lady of Lourdes in 1985. In 1988, Sister Martha Ann and Sister Althea Jonis founded a Franciscan Mission in Haiti, which provided medical care to the poor. After living in Paris, assisting the General Superior of the Franciscan Missionaries of our Lady, she returned to Louisiana in the year 2000.
Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life:
Rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise,
for God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things;
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
The same everlasting Father who cares for you today
Will take care of you today and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering or will give you
unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts
and imaginations. Amen.
“Peace” by St. Francis de Sales