North Country

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  Matthew 11:28

I am writing from the dining room table of a beautiful new friend from New York’s “North Country”.  I’m here in this beautiful place presenting a Parish Mission for the 3 Catholic Churches  in the city of  Plattsburgh.  It’s been a delightful trip so far and I just had to share a little bit.  

I flew into Vermont Friday night and God is good, it was one part of the north east that wasn’t affected by Friday’s costal storms so the trip was smooth as could be.  Traveling from Vermont to New York I got to ride my first car ferry.  It wasn’t quite the Love Boat but it was a cool adventure.  As I got out of the car to climb up and take a few pictures of the Adirondack mountains I was a little stunned to look down and see this ferry filled with rows of cars sailing across lake Champlain.  I took a moment to thank God for giant ships that float…however that works!

God really has plunked me in the middle of some amazing people.  As I toured the churches and met the pastors on Saturday I was overwhelmed with their passion, their faith and their incredible good humor.  I’ve laughed so much!  The churches are old and gorgeous and their history tells such a beautiful story.  Each parish has a captivating sense of pride and family.  God is truly stirring among these beautiful people.  I learned that the Italian marble used in one of these stunning churches had to be purchased twice.  The first order was loaded aboard a ship and set sail for America.  Unfortunately, the ship that was carrying it was the Titanic and the churches beautiful Italian Marble sunk with her.  I thought that was an incredible story of disappointment, tragedy, hard work and persistence.  I ran my hands over the smooth marble that came to this country from Italy more than a hundred years ago and I thought about all the stories it could tell. 

Tonight we talked about the Father’s amazing love for us.  He’s waiting for us…just as we are…just where we are.  He’s waiting to meet us in our brokenness.  He’s waiting to meet us in the present; not the future, not the past but right here and right now.  As we pray the Lord’s Prayer we say, “give us this day our daily bread…”  It says give us THIS DAY, our daily bread, not last weeks or next weeks but THIS DAY!  He’s right here today; don’t to forget to tell him hello and invite him to join you in this day.  He’s waiting to help us discover the joy of living in his love.  He’s gazing down at you right this very moment with such tenderness and love.  Don’t forget to pause a minute and look up at him and let him love you.

A Seed To Plant:  Please say some prayers for these wonderful people.  Pray that they will be flooded by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.​

Blessings on your day!
Sheri