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WE ARE ONE

LASHA MORNINGSTAR

December 31, 2015. Where will you be on that day? What will you have done that year?

I know what you are thinking. You think I am going to ask you if you have made resolutions? Then you will probably say – just like the rest of us – "Nope. Don't make resolutions. I just end up breaking them."

What I am really saying is, God be willing, we are all going to go through this year and reach that date. What will we have achieved?

The world is in such turmoil. Society is changing and, given our electronic messaging, we know instantly when something happens. Sometimes it is wonderful. Sometimes it is too much tragedy.

The price of oil seemingly, dropping like a stone, impacts so many lives. Jobs are being cut as the price goes down. Bills pile up. Mortgages, bills go into arrears.

Our provincial government has members crossing the floor like a miscalled barn dance. Who do we believe anymore?

That same government gives the go-ahead to up university tuition that ensures only those who can afford to enter certain faculties will be accepted. Sniffs of a class system abound. This means dreams are shattered, and if the student is strong enough, they scramble around for a higher education they can afford.

Then of course, life happens. People die. Illness hits. Jobs disappear. Relationships crumble. Time to put on the brakes.

Grab your life jacket. Life jacket? It is whatever pulls you through this year and makes you a happier, stronger person. Sometimes it can be a desperate struggle. One time, not so long ago, I worked three jobs just to survive. I never in my life thought it would come to that. But I did it because I had to.

There is one thing we can all grab onto in times of stress. It's rather like putting on Superman's cape.

Please don't think me sacrilegious.

It's prayer. I mentioned this once before. I carry a prayer card in my pocket all the time. When things get too hectic for me to handle, cruel words are said, a dream is shattered, doors are slammed in my life, I grab my card and pray.

I find it's best to start the day with the prayer and end it with the precious words too.

Usually I calm down. Usually. But there are times when I put my boxing gloves on and sit down and think about how to get around a problem. I call institutions. People in the know. Professionals. In other words, I reach out for help.

But I still keep my Superman prayer card in my pocket.

When I get to Dec. 31, 2015, I want to look back and say, "Well, I got a lot done that year. It didn't turn out the way I thought it would, but then things usually never do."

When I get those 300 plus days under my belt, I hope to be praying the prayer of the heart.

RETURN TO THE HEART

Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk and mystic, wrote in his book Contemplative Prayer: "Monastic prayer begins not so much with 'considerations' as with a 'return to the heart,' finding one's deepest centre, awakening the profound depths of our being."

Many of you, surrounded by devoted family and community, have the power to reach down to your deepest centre and know what your heart wants.

For others, it's hard.

When one does not belong in a family or community and is hit with a loss or hurt, it's too easy to shut the door of hope, give up, withdraw from your potential – and from following God's plan for you.

Pull out your prayer card. Reach down in your heart and yes – resolve – to find that hidden joy. Study. Volunteer. Work. Do whatever activity that brings your faith life and will to live.

(Lasha Morningstar lasha@wcr.ab.ca)