Time and Eternity // Father Lasance

I thought upon the days of old: and I had in my mind the eternal years.

-Ps. 76:6.

The following are excerpts from today's reflection on time and eternity from "Lift Up Your Hearts" by Fr Lasance.

For not to hoard the golden spoil

Of earthly mines, we bow the knee - 

Our labor is the saintly toil

Whose hire is Eternity.

-Gerald Griffin

All our time is given to us in order to our employing it in the service of our Maker and by that means securing for our souls a happy eternity. 

The number of the days of men at the most are a hundred years: as a drop of water of the sea are they esteemed; and as a pebble of the sand, so are a few years compared to eternity. 

-Eccles 18:9-10

God sees everything in eternity. It is in relation to eternity that He judges and values all things. The same should be the rule of our judgments: "I had in my mind the eternal years" (Ps. 76:6) Let us consider everything from this supernatural point of view; for this will be to judge everything according to the truth. Amidst the darkness that surrounds us and often obscures our view, eternity is like a lighthouse, always shining and sending forth a bright light for those who do not turn away their eyes.

A sacred burden is this life ye bear;

Look on it, lift it, bear it solemnly;

Stand up and walk beneath it steadfastly.

Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin,

But onward, upward, till the goal ye win.

-Anon

At This Present Time // December Musings

OUTSIDE
the air has taken on the familiar pale hue of winter, where nature's brighter colours have dimmed,
and everything seems more alert - or more defined - by a particular crispness that only winter knows...

READING

Pride and Prejudice ... finally.
I always knew I was a Jane Austin fan; ironically, I haven't read any of her books until now.
I'm also reading The Lamb's Supper. I recommend every Catholic read this to gain a deeper understanding & appreciation for the Mass!

CREATING

a crocheted table runner for my mother, and a stack of Christmas art cards for family & friends

THINKING

a lot about humility vs. pride
hmm ... new post soon?

LEARNING

Beethoven's Sonata in G minor, op. 49, no. 1

STUDYING

intensely with pre-cal & chemistry & english 12

BAKING
a stove-top cheesecake for my birthday on the 5th.
yes, I made my own birthday cake.

WATCHING

Star Wars, in preparation for the release of The Force Awakens this month!

LISTENING

Sibelius: piano works ... as well as my "Fall Tunes" playlist

PONDERING

the little way of St. Therese ... how to live more simply & with more dedication to everyday tasks

The last of the Autumn leaves are falling from the trees...

p.s. The idea for this post came from Gabrielle's post at Quietly Pondering Truth

Greetings, Autumn, my dear old friend.

The past few months I have greatly enjoyed the warm embrace of your predecessor, Summer, but if I am to be completely honest, the season I await with the most anticipation every year is you, Autumn. I think that you are the season which is most often misunderstood, however; for me personally, you are the one whom I love the most.

Anyone who thinks of you as the season with the disagreeable temper, well! This is what I appreciate the most in you. I find a lot more pizzazz in your temperament than any of your brethren. Every morning I wake I cannot wait to peer through my curtains into the dim morning light to see what weather you have in store for us that day. And whatever weather it may be, it is always a lovely surprise. 

Some may claim your colours to be monotone, dull and dead. These people must certainly be blind, for have they not seen the shimmering of your golden hues as the morning dew and sunlight settle on them? Indeed, you carry more gold in your  pocket than all of the other seasons. And to those who speak of your leaves as "dead," surely these people have never seen them dance on a windy day. Now that is truly a fantastic sight.

Autumn, you are truly a remarkable and lovely part of God's Creation. I adore your soft, dark colours that make it feel so warm in a cold room. I love going for walks and watching the maple leaves fall slowly from the trees above me. I enjoy doing my school work beside the roaring fireplace, cosily wrapped in blankets, with a steaming mug of chai tea beside me. I love how your weather always calls for knitted sweaters, hats, scarves and boots: Fall is certainly my favourite season for fashion. 

“Steam rising underneath a canopy of whispering, changing aspens; starlight in the clear, dark night, and wondrous beauty in every direction. If only all could feel this way, to be so captured and enthralled with autumn.” 

― Donna Lynn Hope