We have been following the story of Tobit for some days now. As one of my colleagues noted earlier this week, it is a love story. This is true but it is also a story of trust, faith, and mercy. The return of Tobiah to a grief-stricken mother tugged at my heartstrings. Tobiah’s total devotion to his family is noteworthy. He was so focused in returning home to assuage his parent’s fears and concerns and to “cure” his father’s blindness – his strong commitment to family and belief that God will be able to make anything happen. I was particularly struck by this story and once again the need for trust and faith. I have seen so many events around me lately that mandate our trust and faith – so this story seems delivered to me once again, when I am in most need of it. One of my relatives is awaiting surgery for a colon mass – she is in her 30s with a young child. I have prayed for her since I first heard of this but a great concern is how to support her when there is no evidence of a sustained relationship with God. I do not say this to judge – they have made their decisions about how they spend their lives. It’s just so foreign to me. I cannot imagine getting up in the morning and facing just a “regular” day without the very real presence of God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit with me. It makes me ask the question not just for them but anyone facing tragedy – how do you do it without God?
In our Old Testament story, the prayers for both Tobit and Sarah result in the arrival of the angel Raphael. How many times have our prayers resulted in angels in our lives? Not with wings and such but angels nonetheless. You know, that person at just the right time, saying the right thing, a squeeze of the hand, a hug. Even a song or story -- this beautiful story brings comfort and verification of God’s love and mercy. I pray that an angel arrives in their lives and lights the way to God for them …
Although we have left Easter season, the glow is still there – maybe it is the pleasant weather and continued blooming of flowers everywhere. The praise of the psalm is so appropriate. I have been listening to a new Christian radio station. It seems lately every time I am in the car, two specific songs play. I am convinced that these are our modern psalms of praise and that I need to be hearing the particular message. The chorus of one is so perfect:
My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior’s always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be
You hear the chorus at least six times in the song and I feel totally reassured by the time the song is done!
One last thought – today is the feast of St. Boniface. An early bishop in the church, he was determined to serve Christ in spite of the risks to his very being. The following are excerpts of one of his letters:
I love the Lord for he has heard the cry of my appeal;
For he turned his ear to me in the day when I called him.…
How gracious is the Lord, and just; our God has compassion.
The Lord protects the simple hearts; I was helpless so he saved me.…
I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
May we all continue to walk in the presence of the Lord.
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.
