Let’s call this my pre-Lenten blog. Lent begins February 14 this year. Hope to give some food for thought to those of you who read this.

Sometimes we are surprised by moments in our lives. Saturday, February 3, 2018 was one of those times for me. The picture I chose for this blog is of my “mindfulness” wall. The three clearly wood carved items I bought from the Shepherds of Bethlehem. Below I am sharing a short Facebook post I wrote reflecting on the encounter. As I have mentioned in previous blog entries, I am Catholic. However, due to some intense experiences with the church over the last 25 years, I do not fully participate in Mass when I attend. I have set myself in a state of “excommunication.” The decision not an easy one and very personal. I do not expect or promote anyone should follow suit. It is between the Father and I, and something I must do to maintain my personal spiritual balance. This action feels right for me.

The Middle East, especially the Holy Land, and its centuries old issues trouble me. I do not claim to be well versed in all the details, but I do feel there to be truth in all sides of the issue. All conflicts begin with grains of truth in all points of view. Then, our egos and arrogance cloud us to only see a singular vision – our own without compromise. I see this in my everyday life as well as on the world scale. When the hurt and spiritual injury are great, seeing another’s point of view can be nearly impossible.

My Facebook Post Feb. 5, 2018:

This past Saturday the Shepherds of Bethlehem were at Blessed Sacrament. They are Palestinian Christians. Their carvings are made of olive-wood in Bethlehem. Christians have been doing carvings since the time of the crusades. It is the livelihood for many there. Christians are becoming fewer in the Holy Land. I believe there to be a grain of truth in all sides of an issue until our arrogance narrows our ability to see and empathize. The three wooden items in this photo have been added to my mindfulness wall. Talking to one of the young men and looking at his coal black hair, dark eyes, tan skin, and middle eastern accent, my heart recognized the way Jesus must have looked. I was moved to give him a pamphlet I have put together and use before Mass starts. It contains my thoughts and attempts at prayers. I never imagined an encounter where I might touch a few from the Holy Land and never considered they might be Palestinian. God’s ways are not ours. ??

God’s ways are not ours – such a simple sentence and thought. A small leap of faith is not insignificant. It whispers but can creates ripples and effect in ways only God sees. Here is the website for the Shepherds of Bethlehem: www.shepherds-bethlehem.com . Pictures of some of the beautiful hand carvings are shown there along with a little information about them.

Peace is a state of heart. –sidonamarie