We have our first visiting nuns at the Petri Dish Convent. Both are our own IHM sisters — one came from Puerto Rico and the other from Monroe. They are on their way to the Giving Voice conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The conference is for women religious under 50 years of age. It’s a great opportunity to hang with young sisters from a variety of communities across the country. I was looking forward to going — especially to meeting Sister Susan Rose of Musings of a Discerning Woman — but given the petri dish situation, I need to stay back and figure out what our next steps are.
Even though Sister Maxine and I have had our hands full with realtors and rehabbers, Home Depot runs, sorting through boxes, etc., we LOVE having our sisters here with us. They are such a support to us, encouraging us as we work through these issues, praying with us, and eating and playing with us! We had the best time last night out at a pizzeria and then coming home to watch The Flying Nun on DVD (will write about that in future!!).
Their presence reminds me of the importance of “being with” others. It’s not “doing for” or “taking control of” but simply and powerfully “being with”.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Julie … Bummer that you won’t be here at GV!!! I was looking forward to meeting you and know you would have made a great contribution to our conversations.
On a happier note, I’m coming to visit my sister (by birth) in Chicago Sunday to Thursday. Maybe we can meet up in the Windy City?
being with others in this way…it is my most common experience of god’s presence. god in other people: the power to change lives.
So sorry you couldn’t be with us in Milwaukee… I was looking forward to meeting you. I’m sure our paths will cross at some point.
Many blessings in this new adventure!
This is a very important message to read and to remember. It hit a pretty deep chord for me as I’ve isolated myself a lot w/depression in the last couple of years. I am blessed enough that several friends and loved ones still seek my company. Marla your quote is very powerful-better than any I’ve seen in two years of google gadgets. The holy spirit is at work here.
Blessings to you Anonymous. Depression is a tough, tough thing to deal with. Be assured of my prayers. Courage.