As I sit to write this, it is difficult to believe that New Year’s Eve is upon us. As you read this, we will be ending 2008! It seemed like yesterday we were worrying about what the dawn of new millennium would be – would everything stop? Would computers go still and with them our modern system of communication? We do not hear about that anymore – the turn of the century came and went without a glitch. Yet, as each church year begins anew, we are asked the same questions and we are challenged to be ready. While this reflection is during the octave between Christmas and the Epiphany, as I write it I am still anticipating the coming of our Savior so it is somewhat of a trick to think beyond the next weeks. I am full of anticipation – a great word for Advent – yet one that works here as well. Therefore, my reflection is full of many questions for you but mostly for me!
John in the first reading refers to antichrists coming and our being anointed by the holy one. While we anticipate so much during Advent, it seems the actual coming of our Lord, leads us to even more anticipation. What is yet to come? In addition, of course, as we hear so many times, how do we make ourselves ready? I wonder if we approached life the way we do Christmas, how we would prepare? Would we hum songs of salvation under our breath as we hustle and bustle through each day doing all the right things?
The responsorial psalm fits this season so well. We are always in the mood to rejoice at Christmas and savor that joy for a while. How can we not be? We have just received the gift of a lifetime and we are looking at a glorious future. The rejoicing is, indeed, appropriate. How do we show appreciation for such a great gift? Where do we send the thank you note? It seems the best “thank you” would be in the way we live our lives. We can reflect that gratitude in all we do. However, I fear we take the gift for granted far too often – I know I am guilty of that. Although, when I do focus my thoughts and actions on that gift, life is clearly better.
The gospel captures one of my favorite themes: GRACE! I love the sound of the word and all that it means. As a name, it has special meaning for me since both my mother and one of my granddaughters carry that as a middle name. I love the idea of receiving grace, being graced – everything about it. I remember once someone explaining grace by using a term in the insurance industry. As you may remember, we used to receive “grace periods” in insurance. It was the time after the insurance payment was actually due that we had to pay the premium – it was not anything that was owed to us or that we earned – just a nice gesture to give us a break. Similarly, the grace in our lives is not earned or even deserved, just given to us because we are so loved. We are blessed with the grace of God and can allow ourselves to bask in it. It is the grace of God that carries us through this life of hardships and burdens and joys and triumphs. When I have the joy of being with my son’s four children, I am clearly aware of God’s grace. There is no doubt in my mind that this kind of blessing cannot be earned. Certainly, I can be very grateful for it, and frequently look at them, and say, “Thank you God, thank you God, thank you God.” It is somewhat ironic to me that as I write this reflection, “grammar check” tells me “I am blessed” is passive and I should re-word it. It IS passive; I am the recipient of this wondrous gift. No re-wording is necessary. I just need to receive this gift and rejoice. The action part is what I do to manifest that love and grace to others. The way in which I act upon that “free will” that is also given to me is the key to my life – here and eternally.
I am reminded of the saying: My life is God’s gift to me, what I do with it is my gift to God.
Happy BIRTHday – I hope my gift is worthy!! A new year is about to begin and I enter it blessed and graced by the love of God. It just doesn’t get any better!!
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.
