Samuel and Eli

In this New Year, 2018, I am trying to be a better listener. It's difficult when the conversation is boring. Today at Mass, we heard the story of Samuel and Eli. Samuel, Hannah's son, the son she birthed at an old age, worked at the temple. He had to keep the sanctuary lamp burning. One evening as he slept, he heard a voice call "Samuel! Samuel!" He went running to Eli who told Samuel that he did not call and to go back to sleep. The third time this happened, Eli realized that it was the Lord calling and told Samuel to say, "Speak Lord. Your servant is listening." The priest went on to say that many times we say, "Listen Lord. Your servant is speaking." On the way on Mass I was singing, "We are one body in this one Lord," and the old hymn "We are one in the Spirit...they'll know we are Christians by our love." My priest friend said that the greatest command is to love one another. When we conversed after Mass, he said that today I was led by the Spirit. Initially, I made the resolution to listen better to husband, children, coworkers, parent, customers--a completely secular resolution. After today's reading and subsequent homily,I realize that I need to expand and include listening to the Lord. And to quietly, without fanfare, be helpful, compassionate, generous, empowering.

Can't be a manager of the new store

My daughter's brother in law is living with her little family. This is one of the reasons that she is house hunting. Currently she is living in her husband's family home that was left vacant when her father in law remarried. It is a long drive to work in snowy weather. It is hard to care for the dog when she is working long hours. Her father in law does not want two mortgage payments. I'm praying that the little family will find the right house that they can afford in the perfect location. Our store has merged with another flower shop and I've been busy cleaning and merchandising the new store. The new store is downtown on the first floor of a 160 year old building. Law offices, a salon and a yoga studio are located on the second floor. The businesses use a common restroom and I need to use a key. Trying to maintain a positive attitude and not complain about anything. It was my decision to maintain my days off--a choice that prevented me from becoming the manager of the downtown store. I'm at a branch store 1 1/2 days a week and at the main store 3 days a week, for now. Probably will change after Valentine's Day. My friend wants me to visit her at the rehab center. I am choosing to stay home because I was uncomfortable and tense at the last visit. My friend pushed her wheelchair to the table and another client in a wheelchair blocked her in. Even though the staff told her that they would help her out, she fretted the entire visit about it. Not a pleasant time for me, so I am choosing to distance myself from people and situations that make me tense and uncomfortable. I sent her a pretty card.