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Year Two, Day 273: The Cleansing Power of the Rain

Today's spiritual fruit is "peace".  This I try to practice everyday. In fact, my email signature says "Peace, Zita". But what does the word "peace" really mean?  It brings to mind the hippie movement.  I was just a child. But a hippie wannabe.  I envied their long hair, barefeet, flowing clothing, and carefree ways. And the would often hold up two fingers in the peace sign.  So in a sense, I think of peace as freedom.

I also think of peace as the absence of war. And inner peace.  But I thought I would look up the etymology (origin) of the word. And it was very interesting!

I went to my friend Wikipedia and found:

"The term 'peace' originates most recently from the Anglo-French pes, and the Old French pais, meaning "peace, reconciliation, silence, agreement" (11th century).[1] But, Pes itself comes from the Latin pax, meaning "peace, compact, agreement, treaty of peace, tranquility, absence of hostility, harmony." The English word came into use in various personal greetings from c.1300 as a translation of the Hebrew word shalom, which, according to Jewish theology, comes from a Hebrew verb meaning 'to be complete, whole'." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace)

As far back as I can remember I longed for an inner feeling of peace. When I was a young child, I'm sure I could not define it, but I could feel it.  An ache inside for things to be calm and happy.  And when I have felt that feeling, I do indeed feel complete.  More to ponder indeed!

Yesterday was my "joy"  day. And you know what? I lived in joy. All Day long! I hadd a moment on one of my numerous bus trips when I thought my heart would burst. So full of joy was I!

But my heart sank last night.  My family member in crisis (I will refer to him henceforth as "FMIC") was having a serious issue. We talked. I prayed. I went to bed, heart racing. I prayed, I tossed, I turned. And I prayed some more.

Amazingly, I woke up on time. And here I sit. At Starbucks. Sipping my London Fog.  Watching the rainfall. My head feels unusually clear. Perhaps it is thecleansing power of the rain. Or maybe the familiarity of it.I do love the rain!

 I brought my book Challenge: A Daily Meditation Based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius by MarkinLink, SJ with me. Because today's meditation was written just for me!

It reads:

"The following reflection was found in the pocket of a dead Confederate soldier: 'I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given infirmity, that I might do better things....I asked for riches, that I might be happy; I was given poverty, that I might be wise....I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God....I got nothing I asked for, but everything I hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am among all men most richly blessed.'"

And on that note, I wish you a happy Wednesday, much peace and joy!

Zita :) 

I LOVE the rain!


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