Reflection

by Claire Gilbert

She left and did as Elijah had said.  
She was able to eat for a year,
and he and her son as well;
the jar of flour did not go empty,
nor the jug of oil run dry,
as the Lord had foretold
through Elijah.
-1 Kings 17:15-16

   The month of November is one of reflection.  
   We start out the month remembering the saintly
   in our lives now, and those saints who have left
   us.  

     We remember our veterans and
     are humbled by their sacrifices.  

We remember those who need our help
in this land of plenty,
where so many have not enough.  

And most of all, it is a time of
Thanksgiving 
for the blessings we have
and can share.
 
This month can cause anxiety as well.  It is hard for me to view the approaching holidays as anything but intimidating and over-busy. Home demands, financial demands, church and family obligations seem overwhelming.  My list of "must do" seems to stand in the way of wellness and joy.

 I feel the urge to close down.
I want to share, 
but feel the jar is nearly empty
and the jug is going dry.
 
Sr. Joyce Rupp writes this in ”Living Faith” this month:
"I think this is when I want to hoard my time,
money or personal talents.  
That's exactly the time
when I need to be
like the widow of Zarephath
and share what I have,
even if it is meager."