During one of the Solitude Sessions in the Spirituality in Practice program at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois, I chose to spend time by the lakeside. The area was filled with geese, which I later learned were Canada Geese. Many of them were young—some appeared to be playing, chasing each other, or practicing their flying skills, while others simply floated, gliding smoothly across the water. A few seagulls and several smaller birds, which I couldn’t identify, are also in the scene. <!–split–>

To my right, I noticed a large, beautiful mother goose sat atop a big planter. I was certain she was nesting, as there was a sign nearby warning people to keep out of the nesting area. A moment later, I saw a woman walking toward the mother goose. As she approached—within about three or four meters by my estimate—the goose left her nest and began walking toward her. The woman continued moving forward, seemingly intrigued by the goose’s behavior. In response, the mother goose spread her wings and let out a few sharp quacks. Undeterred, the woman kept advancing. As she neared the nest, the mother goose suddenly flew on top of her. Still, the woman tried to take a few more steps forward. That’s when the goose began attacking her head, wings flapping furiously. The woman raised her backpack to shield her face and ran off, while the goose chased her a short distance. Once the woman was far enough away, the mother goose returned to her nest and calmly resumed her post, facing the lake.

The mother goose, who seemed calm and graceful, transformed into a fierce protector when her nest was threatened. Her carefully clipped wings spread wide, flapping with force to drive away the intruder—only to return to a state of quiet poise once the danger had passed. I called them wings of love.

Human mothers may not have wings, but I believe they possess their own creative—and sometimes fierce— ways of shielding their children from harm. I realize now how many times Mama Pat must have spread her invisible wings over our lives, especially when we were young. I’m deeply grateful we were nurtured and protected under her wings of love.

What are your memories of your mother’s wings of love? As we reflect on them, let us give thanks to God for creating mothers with that rare blend of tenderness and strength.

To all the mothers of the earth—we honor you, and we are truly grateful for your wings of love.

As Proverbs 31:30-31 says: Charm can be deceiving, and beauty fades away, but a woman who honors the Lord deserves to be praised. Show her respect— praise her in public for what she has done.

Happy Mother’s Day!

What is the difference between Happiness and Joy? In which state are you currently? Are you happy or are you Joyful?

Compassion International has this article about the Difference Between Happiness and Joy: “Happiness depends on external factors. When we hear a favorite joke, we laugh. When someone gives us a gift, we grin. When we hear our favorite song, we dance and smile. Happiness happens to us …  “  <!–split–>

Joy, on the other hand, is a choice we purposefully make. Even if our day-to-day is filled with hurt and disappointment, we can still choose joy. Joy can share space with other emotions, such as sadness and fear. But happiness can’t. Happiness isn’t present in darkness and difficulty. But joy can be. If we choose joy, it can transform our difficult times into blessings and our heartache into gratitude.”

We choose joy because we believe that there is the Light in darkness. In John 1:3-5,9 Jesus Christ describes as the Light:

“Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out… This was the real light—the light that comes into the world and shines on all people.”

We choose joy because The Light outshines darkness; the Risen Savior overcomes death. Joy is our faith in action. It is the manifestation of our belief in Resurrection. We can choose to be joyful in all circumstances because we believe that our Risen Savior is with us always.

I remember a Sunday School Song that Mama Pat taught us entitled “Joy is the Flag”:

Joy is the flag that I fly, in the castle of my heart (3x).  Joy is the flag that I fly, in the castle of my heart, where the King is in residence there. Fly it high in the sky, let the whole world know (3x).  Fly it high in the sky, let the whole world know that the King is in residence there.

As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, let us choose to raise our Joy high in the sky and be a channel of joy to each other!

Spirituality is God hugging me. Spirituality is our direct relationship with God. It is our daily encounter with God. Believing in the Trinitarian God, ever-present in my life and in the entire creation, I feel God’s embrace. As I walk through life’s path, in all its joys and sufferings God is hugging me with grace, providing me the warmth of encouragement when I started to have cold feet; a tighter hug of comfort in times of despair and grief; a tender-loving care twenty-four hours a day. I feel God’s embrace also in the beauty of nature, cool breeze, flowers blooming, birds chirping, my cats purring and most specially with my family and friends’ laughter and tears. Spirituality is Group hug. Spirituality is the sharing of each other’s encounters with God. It is the collective testimonies of our faith journey. Each testimony is like an arm reaching out to another, expressing support and cheer. As we share our stories, we inspire each other, and our faith grows stronger. We lift each other’s burdens and victories in prayers. We come together in praise and thanksgiving. In embracing each other’s faith testimonies, prayers and worship, we create an ecosystem of peace, hope, joy and love. <!–split–>

Spirituality is an invitation to hug. Spirituality is an invitation to hug as God hugs. An invitation to embrace God’s creation with no buts, without reservations, no judgments, without superiority complex playing. What did Jesus say? (WDJS)

• John 15:12, “My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you.”
• Mark 12:31, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
• Matthew 25:35-36, “I was hungry, and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.”

Spirituality is an opportunity to be God’s embrace for the needy, unwelcomed, sick, lost and forgotten. Spirituality is not a state of being, its is being in God’s loving embrace.

Share God’s hug today!