Feast of St. Ignatius

+Happy Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola+

We love this saint and his story!

I shared our celebration over at Catholic Cuisine:)
Be sure to pop over there for a visit.

This would also be a great idea to celebrate the Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he is of the Jesuit order that St. Ignatius founded!

Is It Possible To Age With Grace?

This topic is heavy on my mind and heart lately. As I inch closer to the half century mark, I see the physical changes and I feel them more than ever.  Aging is not for wimps.  Sometimes I catch a glimpse of myself in a passing mirror and I barely recognize the woman I see.  Who is that stranger in my reflection, being pulled down by gravity?  Then there's the aches and pains that markedly increase and good health is a consuming prayer. I certainly can't keep up with the myriad of activity that I used to.  I'm forgetful.  Now, where was I?  Need I say more?  Heaven help me, I don't want to be one of those who complains, I just want to learn how to age with grace...Is this possible?  How do I come to terms with myself and live in this strange skin that is quickly consuming me?  Lord, please teach me.

One of our family outings this summer was a beautiful hike to the resting place of some of the largest trees in the world, hence the name Big Trees State Park:) Visitors can't help but be fascinated by the majestic size of these ancient beasts.  These giant sequoias stand out, yes, because of their age.  They stretch up to lengths of 300 feet high and 25-30 feet around in diameter. They increase in beauty and character, all the more seasoned with age. They are said to be thousands of years old, by the way!

I want to be like that!  I know it might be silly to say that I want to age like a tree but what a good example that God gives us, right?  It reminds me not to conform but to be transformed...

Deeply rooted in the dignity of who we are, strengthening and stretching our souls for heaven, we can find peace among His wise wonders. The natural world reigns grace, unlike the media and the images that consume us in the unnatural world.
  We can learn so much from His marvelous works.

If trees can age gracefully, how can we not? We, who were made in His image and likeness...Were we not created to receive grace?  Bloom where we are planted?
You are God's handiwork and you are beautiful, especially the closer you get to Him a long the way,
with each passing day.

And so the journey continues and I'm reminded to keep my face to the Son.  The fresh air is the best aging serum I can find on the outside.  Together with the Eucharist, the bread of life that strengthens the inside, I am feeling hopeful, inspired, renewed in spirit, ready to age as God calls me to.

Yes, I do believe it's possible:)

"With God, all things are possible."
~Matthew 19:26~