Beginnings and Endings

I'm in a reflective mood today. Last night, we attended the Year 8 Mass for our eldest child in her new school. Like the man with the wheelbarrow- it's all ahead of her and the other little first years gathered in the packed hall last night. I felt so grateful, that our precious child was in such a warm, nurturing and challenging environment, one that would draw out and build on her talents and gifts, and alongside us, guide her through the roller coaster of adolescence. I hoped that she would come to the end of her time there, knowing that she was traveling onwards in the right direction, with no regrets of missed opportunities or unfulfilled dreams or gifts wasted. It's a lot to ask ... And for one long selfish moment, I soooo wished that I could go back to where she is now, knowing what I know, and do it all a bit differently. But it's her time now, not mine. Beginnings....
This morning I attended the funeral of a a good friend's father. I listened to the story of his life and felt the bewildered grief of his family. I watched as he was lowered into the ground and had an acute awareness of life's frailties and my own mortality. Several of my friends are currently coping with the increasing needs of ailing and elderly parents- we're at that age, it happens, that's life. Endings...
Here's a little Reflection from last night taken from the words of Mother Teresa- it seemed appropriate to share.
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Encourage one another, build one another up, be at peace among yourselves, always seek to do good to one another, rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will in Christ Jesus for you.

If you've stuck with me to the end, I hope I haven't been too much of a buzzkill on this Friday afternoon. Thankfully life is full of distractions, and five of mine need their uniforms washed and their dinner made. After that, I think a large glass of vino is called for. Have a good weekendxxxx