As the saying goes, getting old is not for sissies. As I’m closing in on the later part of my 8th decade, I realize more and more that we are bombarded with challenges be they physical, social, familial, and financial – the list goes on ad nauseum. I have also realized that there is one constant throughout all of this, one stabilizing force that rights us every time we go akilter – our God who is kind and merciful.
When I reviewed the readings and prepared for this reflection, I was in a definite funk. Everything was seeming like the figurative half empty glass – disappointments and challenges seemed to surround me – I was negative Nancy at her best (worst!). It was difficult for me to see the positive that was all around me. As I pondered what to write and reflected more on the readings, I kept coming back to the responsorial psalm
R.(8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities,
he heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
He will not always chide,
nor does he keep his wrath forever.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
It was literally the fight song against the negativity that was engulfing me. I have to believe that when our defenses are down, Satan takes full advantage of our compromised situation. He floods us with negative thoughts, making us feel unworthy and victimized. Worry fills us and hope drains away. However, when we fight to keep our heads above water and see what is really there, Satan can be rendered powerless!! The more I read the psalm and thought of the many songs that I love that reinforce the message of a kind and merciful God, the more the negativity was being washed away. I thought of my mother who faced so many losses in her life, had “chosen” to encase herself in armor to prevent more hurt and pain but that armor also keep out love and caring from those around her. It kept her in a self-imposed isolation – I had to ask myself, did I want to become my mother in my later years, did I want armor from the hurt but that prevented joy and love to be in my life? As I walked my yard, taking in the beauty of God’s world full of flowers that clearly reflected love and caring, the aromas sinking in and the sadness moving aside. My soul answered with a resounding no, I will not sink into that self-imposed isolation. There is far too much positivity to embrace in the people and world around me.
I hope you will all read the responsorial psalm over and over until it sinks in and drives any negativity out. We are blessed and beloved children of God, something I need to be reminded of often. Once again, I am the recipient of the reflection. While it may appear that I write my assigned reflection for others, it is s always exactly what I needed at that time.
10,000 Reasons -- a perfect song for me to remember how blessed that I am always regardless of how I’m feeling at the time.
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.
