St. Patrick

For your consideration…

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. At the age of 16 he was kidnapped from Britain and taken to Ireland. He eventually escaped, became a priest and missionary, and returned to Ireland. He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. March 17th, the day we celebrate St. Patrick’s day, is believed to be the day he died. St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated. In Ireland, it is a religious holiday.

I will be completely honest and tell you that for many many years I hated St. Patrick’s Day. I was married to an Irishman. He and his brothers could hardly wait for the holiday to roll around. They started celebrating early in the morning into late at night. It was a day that was always filled with drama…arguments and fights. I hated it.

I carried that hate long after I was no longer married. No one could believe that I just dreaded the holiday. I can see clearly now that was unreasonable. Years later I changed the pattern. I decided to celebrate it rather than dread it. I do what I love to do. I cook. I make sure that I get the best corned beef…Wigley’s…and make the whole dinner. I invite friends and share it with them. I do the same with organizations I volunteer with.

I use this as an example. As St. Patrick let go of his first experience with Ireland, and created a new one, so did I.

Our message today is about suspending judgment, taking a step back, and creating something positive from something negative…the proverbial turning lemons into lemonade.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…

-Affirm…“I am loved.

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 1 0 deep breaths.

-Turn negatives into positives.

What made me smile yesterday…

-A beautiful warm and sunny day.

-Catching up with both my girls, Mary, and Cathy.

-A great walk.

-A good book.

Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris