What a glorious time of year this is!! It is spring time in the northern hemisphere – flowers are peeking their heads through the ground (and snow in some places). The daylight is longer and even the smell of the air is invigorating. New life is all around us – inviting us to be hopeful. But even more than the flowers and the bright sunshine, we are called to new life because we are Easter people. We have seen the real hope in our lives, in our very beings. The readings for today are full of that hope and life. I’m reminded of the words of Robert Browning: *Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made.* As we bathe in the light of this weekend and the wonders of Easter, I truly believe the best is yet to be.
The story of Peter and John approaching the gate and seeing the beggar is a great one. How many times do we walk by the “beggars” in our lives? Sometimes we do stop and give them an offering but Peter and John gave so much more, not just the healing but the gift of our Lord. The man entered the temple, “walking and jumping and praising God.” How often do I forget the gifts that are mine because of Him? How much of my life do I spend walking and jumping and praising God? I saw a beautiful sunrise this morning, I walk, I talk, I am blessed with the most wonderful husband, children, and grandchildren – certainly enough to cause someone to jump and praise God … Do I show my gratitude enough – I do try – it is not lost on me that I am incredibly blessed. That doesn’t mean everything goes my way – I’ve had my tragedies and disappointments. I am always aware that no matter what, I am not alone. I know that what I have is in the name of Jesus and is possible because of Him.
I love the story of meeting on the road to Emmaus. The symbolism is so layered to me. The idea of meeting Jesus and not having “open eyes” is so telling of our everyday lives. How often have we met “Jesus” and we just didn’t know it. There are numerous email stories circulating about such situations and only later when their “eyes are open” do the characters in the story realize they have indeed encountered Jesus. We are bombarded with so many things in our lives; it is so easy to walk with “unopened eyes,” to not see what is the most important around us. We must learn to recognize when “our hearts burn within us.” When the Holy Spirit makes its presence known to us through that burn it is essential that we embrace it and jump and praise God … the best is yet to be.
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
