Message of the Day from Rev. Mary White
Good Day and Blessings
“Seize the day” are words that speak to each of us. It means having faith, moving out of our comfort, and taking chances. If we hold back, then we are missing out on a new adventure. My response to someone who says that they are bored is “if you are bored then you are missing out on something amazing in life”.
We are aware of the disappointments we feel when we have missed opportunities. I should have, I could have, if only I had, are all words of regret. Although some opportunities have bypassed us, there are others that we still have the occasion to grasp. It is never too late to try new adventures or experience life out of the ordinary. It may be something you wanted to do as a child, but your parent or guardian restricted you.
I recall at age 12 wanting to take sky diving lessons then jump out of an aircraft, but my parents refused to give the required permission. For a long time, I regretted not having the opportunity but decided years later that my parents were right in protecting me. This is one chance I would have taken as a child but certainly not now. I have had other escapades that were just as risky which satisfied my desire for adventure. I wonder what regrets you may be harbouring that you can satisfy today.
Rev. Mary
Poem Carpe Diem by Ruth Burgess
Carpe diem
go for it
pluck, seize, grab, enjoy
the moments of our nights and days
a ride on the Big Dipper
snowflakes falling
a multi-layered Knickerbocker Glory
the dance and crackle of burning wood
thick soup with dumplings
sunlight dancing on water
a small, squat, red-eyed solemn toad
a good film
a great concert
making blackberry and apple jelly
blowing airy dandelion clocks
a first breath
and a last one
a warm hug
shared laughter and tears
a project completed
a well-loved story
dragonflies and butterflies
bright stars and Venus
in a January sky
Carpe diem
go on, go for it
pluck, seize, grab, enjoy, cherish
delight and dance in
the amazing moments
of our nights and days.
Excerpt From: Ruth Burgess. “Moments of our nights and days.”
Reading • The Golden Arches by Ashley-Anne Masters
I often find it a contradiction that McDonald’s exists in many hospitals. While a Big Mac and fries is great comfort food, it isn’t the healthiest option. However, in the hospitals where I’ve served as a chaplain, I have sometimes found those Golden Arches to be a gateway to holy ground....
I’ve met family members of patients standing in line at McDonald’s, and they’ve shared all kinds of emotions and thoughts they couldn’t share in front of their loved one.
McDonald’s isn’t that healthy for our arteries, but I believe it’s sometimes good for our souls. So, the next time you do something outside of your comfort zone, or offer care to a friend, or have had a hard conversation, or take a family member to a doctor’s appointment, drive on through the Golden Arches and get a little soul food in the form of chicken nuggets, a ‘real Coke’ or a McFlurry. Being all grown up takes an awful lot of bravery some days, and you’re never too old for a Happy Meal.
Excerpt From: Ruth Burgess. “Moments of our nights and days.”.
PRAYER
Life Spirit
We are made in the image of the Creating One who from the beginning has bestowed upon us all things positive including Love, empathy, confidence, curiosity, hope, joy...
Characteristics that are sometimes flawed along life’s journey.
We pray for those of us who are afraid of the opinions of others and allow our behaviours to be dictated by our own imaginations. May we not take so long to give ourselves permission to be our authentic selves. Help us to seize each day with the curiosity and confidence of the child within.
Take away our disapproving opinions that restrict us from actively participating in and therefore, experiencing this life to the maximum.
Hold us in the embrace of Your power and peace.
Amen