This is our new golden doodle puppy, Ann Marie.
She's just over five months old, and she's the latest addition to the Foley
family, joining earlier this summer.
 |
| Ann Marie the golden doodle |
Most of my days revolve around her. Each day begins with a
quick walk around the cul-de-sac. Every day ends with a longer walk through the
neighborhood. We know each other well, as the time we spend together gives us
plenty of time for pause and reflection.
During a recent morning trek, we both noticed how quiet
everything seemed. No one else outside. No traffic. No wind. No noise. It was
peaceful. It was calm. The recent time change provided daylight for our time
together. We had become accustomed to the morning walks in the darkness; the
sun beginning its day brought to us a welcome change. The morning light felt so
powerful as it began to surround us. It was brilliant. It was awesome. It was
bright. I don't believe either of us will ever forget that morning. A sense of
comfort and contentment was with us as we stood on the street corner together.
Calm and bright embodied this particular morning exercise.
As we stood together, I reflected upon the beauty of this
time of year and what is to come. The season of Advent is upon us - a wonderful
time of year that can be described in a similar fashion, calm and bright.
It's a peaceful calm that we experience in anticipation of
the birth of the baby Jesus, a sense of being a part of something truly
meaningful as we prepare to joyfully celebrate our Savior's birth. The radiant
light of Jesus Christ will soon be with and among us.
It's a most joyous time of year that reinforces and
reignites our faith; a time that promotes humankind, love, meaning, and
purpose; a time for all to develop a better understanding of our faith; a time
to further understand how our faith impacts and guides us and others we
encounter every day.
It is a time for celebration and connection with others, and
with Jesus.
All will be calm. All will be bright.
Click here to receive daily Advent devotions, written by St. Paul people, by email.
