And all each of us needs is love...

A wise nun-nurse whom I worked with years ago turned around one day to me seriously, and said,
'You know, Catherine, all each of us really needs - from every man woman and child,
to the smallest kitten - is love.'
And she was right. We can help others, have great careers, enjoy lovely families, and still 
deep down within each one of us is that need to be loved - unconditionally - just as we are.
Not as we could be. Not as others think we ought to be. Just as we are.
All of us are a work in progress. God isn't finished with us yet. 
We are not perfect, we make mistakes, and sometimes act in ways which even puzzle us.
But let us learn from our mistakes. Let us look to God to help us with His Grace to grow within our being to whom we really could be.
And let us rejoice in Jesus Christ, Who showed us the way to God.
It really is so very, very simple.
Just to love one another as God has loved us.


God loves completely; totally; without reservation.
God loves with forgiveness; understanding; pity and compassion.
God does not seek revenge.
God loves tenderly; gently; and with a Father's love for His Child.


Let us then love one another as God has loved us.
Let us rejoice in the gift of our culture, of the way we look. 
Whether we put on weight, or lose it - we are the same person. 
Whether we have the smooth skin of babyhood or maturing skin with small wrinkles as we are privileged to have a longer time on earth - we are the same person. 
Whether we have the knowledge we had at four years old, or the wisdom of long experience and many years of study or work later - we are the same person.


Let us then rejoice in our diversity; in the wondrous fact that we look different; 
have different cultures; 
different wonderful ways of worshipping God. 
And let us support each other in our unique spiritual journey towards the God Who is Love.


Reflections of Christ have a slideshow which shows wonderfully the love of Jesus for all; the same love He came on earth to encourage us to feel for each other. 
Why not take a few moments, and let the beauty of this show celebrating Jesus' love, and the beauty of our diversity bless your day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glQYsxJhv_E&feature=b-vrec

*Photograph taken by Catherine Nicolette of lovely blossoms in springtime, Ireland. Please feel free to use copyright free for any worthy purpose

You are always the Hand Who created me

Within my heart I rejoice in the radiance of Your Creation, O Lord our God
 You Whom we know by so many different names
   In so many cultures and parts of our wondrous globe.
     Yet in the depths of my heart, in the sanctuary of my inner being,
       You are always the Hand Who created me ...
         Who watched me blossom into being
           As beautiful in Your Sight as
              The peach blossoms graciously rejoicing
                against the soft green of the leaves
                  of their wisdom and love.


Teach me to be worthy of You, dear Lord
  Teach me to love all whom I meet
    Teach me to forgive the ungracious
      To turn the other cheek of forgiveness by not seeking revenge
        Help me to be the best I can be
          Help me to graciously accept the limitations of the intellect and body you gave me
            Help me to share the essence of my God-created being with  others
              Help me to be faithful to You.


So that I may reach out to every person in my human family across our whole globe
  That I may be a symbol of forgiveness and love to all I meet
    That I may help each one in some way
      That I may inspire the lonely
        And help the sick
          And encourage the downhearted
            And teach the student in need
              And give alms to the destitute
                And ... above all ... to seek to follow Your Way


Of forgiveness; mercy; compassion; graciousness; justice; and LOVE.


Thank You for creating me, God,
  And giving me the change to experience your wonderful world
    Let me offer you the gift of this picture; of the Japanese garden artist's gracious blooms
      Peach in colour, and soft green in background,
        As a thank you for all the gifts you have given me,
          The greatest of them the gift of life
             as a member of your human family
               created by Your Divinity


May I always praise and bless You
  May I never reject You
    May I always treat Your Name with reverence,
      O great and gracious God.
                                 Amen.


*Photograph taken by Catherine Nicolette