There and Back Again

Life is a journey with its twists and turns. I didn't quite expect to return to this blog . . . and yet . . . it doesn't surprise me either. For just like Bilbo who carried an acorn around to remind him of those very twists and turns . . . I have found myself "there and back again." 

As I wrote in my last post over a year ago, I said it was not good-bye, but "until we meet again." It is a joy to meet with you once more along your journey and share weekly thoughts about life and faith. Let us approach this new year with hope and expectation in the anticipation of all that God will do in our souls, and in turn what we can do for His glory.

Please know my readers are in my prayers before the Blessed Sacrament, and I would ask that you all pray for me too. For each day presents new opportunities to take little steps toward eternal life with God. As Bl. John Henry Newman said, "one step enough for me . . . lead kindly Light!"

Enjoy one of my favorite quotes from The Hobbit:

[Bilbo, sitting alone, reaches into his pocket]

Thorin Oakenshield: What is that in your hand?

Bilbo Baggins: [startled] It-it's nothing.

Thorin Oakenshield: Show me!

[Bilbo opens his hand, revealing an acorn]

Bilbo Baggins: I picked it up in Beorn's garden.

Thorin Oakenshield: You've carried it all this way?

Bilbo Baggins: I'm going to plant it in my garden, in Bag End.

Thorin Oakenshield: It's a poor prize to take back to the Shire.

Bilbo Baggins: One day it'll grow. And every time I look at it, I'll remember. Remember everything that happened: the good, the bad... and how lucky I am that I made it home.