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| St. Mary Mackillop |
Today is a very special day, for my wife, Angeline, and my son, Jeremy, are performing a sort of ‘pilgrimage’ at the site where St. Mary Mackillop was buried, known as the Mary Mackillop Place in Sydney (http://www.marymackillop.org.au/pilgrimages/index.cfm?loadref=37).
People come for a variety of reasons to this sacred place with many coming specifically to pray through Mary’s intercession for healing in their lives or in the life of a loved one. Angeline and Jeremy will be praying for everyone (with me included) and especially for Jeremy.
I long to be with them at this special time but I’m up to my neck with many programs and appointments. So, the best thing I can do is to join them in prayers in my ‘personal space’ aiming to close the distance of thousands of miles that separates us.
During this 2 weeks of ‘personal space’, I will be alone – like some people will say – being a bachelor boy again! One of the thoughts that runs through my mind in a time of self reflection is : have I lost my life/work balance? Just not being able to have a family reunion of sorts and joining my family in this pilgrimage seems to say so!
Another self revelation is the deep realization that I’m not to take anyone or anything for granted. Really, everything here on earth is temporary, and I got to really love myself as much as I love those dear ones who are an integral part of the wonderful life that I am getting and enjoying.
The third thing I learnt is that it may be good that Angeline ‘leave me’ for a while to see how I can fend for myself, and make me appreciate how she has cared for me, taking care of all my needs, including cutting my nails! I wish I have a photo of those unforgettable moments when I trust my finger nails to her expert trimming!
And, lastly but most importantly, once again I’m struck with wonder at the unseen and mysterious hands of God who works silently (and sometimes loudly for those hard of spiritual sensitivity) to prepare each one of us to be better people before we leave this temporary place called Earth and be with Him.
Wow! It’s amazing what a 2 week’s ‘personal space’ has started to do for me and can do more for me. By the way, if I were to look at things from my wife and son’s angle, I am sure they also want some breathing space from me sometimes, right? Hope not, as they say, ‘absence makes the heart fonder’.
Do you like to share your ‘personal space’ stories with me and other readers of my blog?
