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New Snow – What are you leaving in your wake?
One of the books I’m reading (yes, I do more than one at a time) was written by a friend and a state senator here in New Hampshire – Bob Giuda. It’s called On Eagle’s Wings and in it he shares his journey with his wife Chrissy, especially since she suffered a brain aneurysm rupture and was left in a permanent vegetative state. After her hospitalization, Bob started posting on Facebook to let people know what was happening in their lives. His messages went around the world. People they didn’t know were sending messages and praying for her recovery.
That is an advantage of our social media. It can be used for good. I guess it’s like fire, or knives, they can be used for good, or not. In this case, his postings were so powerful he was told over and over again, “You need to put these in a book!” And so, he has.
Can one person’s faith strengthen someone else’s? I think so. I like the quote attributed to Saint Francis, “Preach always, sometimes use words.” People are watching how we live our lives. Our children are watching. Everywhere we go, how we act and how we speak to others is seen and felt. What would others say about their interactions with you?
On page 107 Bob says, “At home, at work, in the grocery store, in the hospital, at the doctor’s office, driving the car – every single day of our lives, God provides us “new snow” – another chance to leave tracks that lead others to Christ. Tread gently, for we never know that we won’t be the presence of God to a soul in search of Him.”
It has been snowing here in New Hampshire, a light beautiful snowfall, leaving sparkles of light all over the earth. Yes, walking through it also leaves imprints where we have been. There are probably unseen footsteps left on the hearts and minds of those we’ve touched - for good, or not. Thinking back on your journeys or interactions with others in your life, what kind of “imprints or impressions” do you think you have left?
And yes, I think we get fresh new starts, the “new snows” if you will, in each of our seconds, chances to begin anew. Lent is always a great time for sitting a while. God gave us two ears and one mouth, is that so we listen twice as much as we speak? How about sitting in silence and contemplating deeply how you live your life? What if you were to purposely listen for and to the still small voice? Will you deliberately, thoughtfully, thoroughly review your thoughts, your words and your actions. Are they in alignment with God’s will?
On the back cover, Bob asks a question – “Looking to learn how to overcome tragedy and turn it into God’s purposes?” His delving into the Word, saying the Rosary and surrendering to God’s will is heroic. What are the ways you find strength? I don’t know how I would have done with some of the circumstances I’ve found in my life without my faith and the prayers of others. When I feel a little apprehensive about sharing my faith with others I think: “Why would I want to withhold this comfort from others?” If someone is having a difficult time, how about asking, “Can I pray with you?” Attending a conference I heard a doctor say he had a sign in his waiting room that said, “I pray for all my patients, if you don’t want me to, let me know.” He said no one has asked him to stop, but it also opened deep conversations with many other people.
In your journey this Lent, what is it God asks of you? You may hear how you can be better. For some it may be “How can I best share with others what I know has been such a blessing for me?”
No, Chrissy has not awakened - yet. It’s been many years now. Bob has felt the prayers supporting him and Bob and Chrissy have used this circumstance to awaken a new faith in some or strengthen an existing one in him and in others, even in those he hasn’t met - yet.
What impressions will you be leaving in your “new snow?”
Lynn Durham, RN, author of From Frazzled to Fantastic! You’re One Thought Away From Feeling Better. smile@lynndurham.com, www.lynndurham.com
Lynn Schwartz Durham is a mother of three sons and a well-being coach living in New Hampshire, USA. Since her childhood days in Lordship, Connecticut where she held “health camp” at the beach, Lynn has been interested in helping others feel better.
A UConn graduate and registered nurse, Lynn has taught nursing, “Women’s Wellness” and “Spirituality and Health.” Lynn speaks, facilitates retreats, and writes - all focused on well-being …for those who want to release anger, anxiety and anguish … for those who want to embrace, cherish and celebrate life!
Lynn has published over 100 articles and columns, is a contributing author to several books, has an audio book called Dancing Gracefully with Life and is the author of From Frazzled to Fantastic! You’re One Thought Away From Feeling Better,
For many years Lynn was a member of the National Speakers Association, the National Wellness Association and the American Association of Therapeutic Humor. She has studied at the Harvard Deaconess Mind Body Medical Institute in Boston where a fellow participant called her a glass of Prozac!
Lynn is also a NH Real Estate Broker in the lakes and mountains area, a grandmother, an artist, dancer and bridge player.
Through contact with Lynn on TV, radio or in person, people change the way they see their world. Whether we find her with a flower in her hat, or spinach in her teeth, Lynn brings her sense of Joy in the Journey wherever she goes.
