Ascension : News From The Grotto - Thought For The Week
Submitted by The Islander (Shari Parkhill) 11.02.2010 (Article Archived on 25.02.2010)

“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times….”.

I’ve been putting together all my little homilies from 2009; I make them into a little booklet for my mother and a few friends each year.  Last evening I was rereading them and editing the booklet.  It caused a lot of tears, and just as many smiles.

It was certainly a year that I will always remember.  It held both wonderful highs, and the lowest of lows.  Rereading the eulogy for Jason and the children brought tears, as did being reminded of the other friends and family members that I have lost, and the friends who have moved away from Ascension.  Reading about Dominik brought smiles, as did reminders of my vacations, and the fun I had on them, as well as the fun times I have had here on the island. 

Life is always full of both good times, and bad times, but some years seem to bring more than their share of one and / or the other.  2009 was certainly one of those for me.  I admit, there are times that it’s difficult for me to find anything to write about for our service.  I’m never sure if what I have to say has any value.  I’ve certainly shared a lot of my life with my readers, maybe sometimes more than I should.  But what happens to me is what shapes my life, my beliefs, my opinions, and my points of view, and this is all I have to share. 

This week’s readings include the reading from the prophet Isaiah, in which he recalls being visited by an angel, and as a result answers the Lord’s question “Whom shall I send?  Who will be our messenger?” with “Here I am, Lord, send me.”  The Gospel reading tells the story of the day that Jesus called on Simon Peter, James and John, to leave their fishing and to join Him; from now on they would be fishers of men.

Everyone in their life is called on to follow their faith, and share it with others.  How we do it differs from one person to another.  I have no special training to look after the Grotto; I was simply approached almost seven years ago by the Monsignor, and asked if I would help out.  And that is what I have been doing for this time.  It is just one way I have found to give back to God for standing by me at both the difficult times in my life, and in the good. 

I have been blessed by people along the way who have said that one of my little writings has helped them in some way.  This makes all the anxious moments when it’s Sunday and I haven’t come up with anything to say, all worthwhile!!  I have to give credit to all the people who have been my inspiration on this journey; all the friends who are my angels and have helped me to understand what true faith is, and how God works through each and every one of us. 

I am heading off island for a brief but happily anticipated vacation with one of my best friends, Linda, my son Ryan and his fiancé Jessica, and my darling grandson Dominik.  Family makes everything worthwhile.  I’m sure my time with them will pass too quickly, but it is always good to get back to Ascension after time spent in the hustle and bustle of the real world!

So, this week, take a few moments thinking about how you can share your faith, and how to answer the question “Whom shall I send?” with “Here I am Lord, send me”.  Each and every one of us can be a messenger in some way.  We just need to find our path.  To everyone who has walked with me on my path, I thank you for your friendship and your inspiration.  May God bless each and every one of you.