The Times They Are a Changin'......

Autumn has arrived in full force in Minnesota and I find myself listening to the patter of raindrops on the roof as I contemplate the changes going on around me. 

I love Fall!  The burst of colors from the fall trees always reminds me of the grand finale in a fireworks’ display.  Everywhere you look there is another burst of red, yellow or brown mingled in with the green leaves of summer.  Just when you think you’ve seen it all – you turn a corner or awaken to a new day and another breathtaking view leaves you in awe of God’s glory.

As we change seasons, the three younger kids find themselves back at school - Gabrielle in Psychology at Viterbo, LaCrosse, Kyle in Computer Information Management at Normandale Community College, Bloomington and Michelle in Nutrition/Applied Economics/Agricultural and Food Business Management at the UofM, Twin Cities. How did I ever get old enough to have all my kids either in college or out?  Believe it or not, Brandon turned 26 years old yesterday.  Really?!  I’m so proud of all my kids as they keep their dad’s legacy going as extremely considerate and compassionate young adults.    

It appears that changes are in store for me, too, as I finally take the plunge and return to work.  The 'where' may or may not surprise some of you but I’ve come full circle.  While I would have loved a paid position in some form of ministry, challenges along the road that were beyond my control made that possibility seem further and further away for now as each day passed.  Finally, after months of conversing with God, I stopped long enough to really listen and what He had to say didn’t surprise me at all.  So, with a lot of guidance from up above, I have made the decision to reopen my in-home licensed family childcare.

Early on in CPE, my supervisor pointed out during a particular one on one session that, although I could minister to anyone, it was obvious that I had a special connection with the very old and the very young.  That comment came as no surprise to me as it’s a fact I’ve always been aware of.  A few months back, after not finding employment in ministry right now, I began branching out and applying for positions everywhere and anywhere. I even briefly discerned going back to MA school this fall but that simply wasn’t calling to my heart anymore.   Over the course of the last month, I’ve had lots of interviews and received several job offers but none of them spoke to my heart either.  After each interview I found myself asking the question - would I rather do 'this' or daycare?  Well, you now know what my answer was.

Returning to daycare has never been far from my mind.  This is probably no more evident than in the fact that I got rid of none of my equipment, supplies or toys other than those that were broken or in need of replacement.  It was a job I absolutely loved - even amid the daily chaos - and I probably would not have given it up if Roch hadn't gotten so much worse at the end.  But I truly believe that letting it go and allowing me the time to grow and heal was all part of God’s plan. 

As I've been discerning where God needs me these last 20 months returning to daycare has entered my mind quite often.  However, in MY infinite wisdom, every time the Holy Spirit would whisper 'daycare', I would reply " Yes, BUT ....."  but I need to do more.... but I need to be making a difference somewhere else..... but I need..... but I  need...... but I need..... 

Well, about a month ago, the Holy Spirit again whispered 'daycare' and this time I simply said "Yes".  God just took it and ran! 

There has been an indescribable peace in my heart the last few weeks and everything is simply falling into place as if God was just waiting for my reply.  I will be reopening ‘Lori’s Christian Daycare’ on October 20th with the most precious little baby girl in the world whose birth itself was an absolute miracle.  She is just now starting to crawl and jabber so I’m definitely in for trouble and can hardly wait!  I hope to have my license reinstated by November 1st at which point I'll be able to take additional families.  Having shared the news with a few others, I already have some prospects on the horizon.  I have never had to rely on anything other than word of mouth to fill my spots and it doesn't appear that this time will be any different. With that in mind, please feel free to pass my name on to anyone you know that may be looking for daycare in the near future. 

This is definitely where God needs me for now and I feel so blessed.  As I was searching for a job in ministry somewhere - I didn’t realize that I’d already had it.  There are very few things in this world that compare to making a difference in the lives of others - it doesn't matter the age.  We all need a caring, loving and supportive atmosphere to simply be who God intended us to be.....and a little grace along the way doesn't hurt either!  It is truly a win/win situation as this gives me the best of both worlds for now by allowing me the time and funds do a job I love during the day while I can continue to participate in volunteer and learning opportunities in ministries I love during the evenings and weekends. 

I recently began a Christian Widow’s Fellowship in the area and we met for the first time two weeks ago.  This is not a grief support group but rather a place for fun and fellowship with a group of ladies who have a common bond.  It was obvious at our first meeting that there is a definite need for a group like this so I hope it continues to grow and grow.  We welcome all ages and are open to everyone in the community not just Catholics.  My goal is to simply create a place once a month where those of us that never wished to belong to this group will feel welcomed and supported as we enjoy each other’s company.  Wish me luck! 

I am continuing my work with Samaritan Ministry (similar to Befrienders) at St. Joe’s and love visiting with those parishioners that are home-bound or near the end of life.  In addition, I would also like to see a Healing Ministry start up after the weekend Masses but I need to work my way through the commission on this one so guessing it’ll be some time before I can get it implemented - if it’s meant to be.  I've also been in talks with the recreational director at Augustana HealthCare and hope to work with him to establish an inter-generational program at their Apple Valley location as I get underway again with the little ones.  Wouldn't that be fun?!  And without a doubt, I will never give up my volunteer time with CaringBridge. 

I continue to help maintain the St. Joe’s website and Facebook page, work as Team Lead in our RCIA (Rite for Christian Initiation for Adults) program, assist with a variety of worship services (such as Taize and Remembrance Weekend) and am definitely planning to go on at least one mission trip next summer including the one with St. Joe’s Adult Mission Team to Haiti.  And you just never know where else I might turn up! 

I don’t seem to be lacking for ministry work at the moment!   I often said during my growing and healing period in CPE that if I didn’t find employment in ‘ministry’ that I would hopefully be one well trained volunteer as there is definitely nothing as “just" a lay minister.  To read about my experience in CPE, you may certainly check out the article that I wrote this summer for our church bulletin.   There is simply so much good we can all do out there and so many ways we can each let our light from within shine!

I can't tell you how excited I am or how right this all feels.   Even the kids are in agreement.  The girls (even though they aren't home during the week) comment on the weekends when they are home that it's just too quiet around here...and too neat!  That's not who we are.  We love to live in a rainbow of chaos...as a matter of fact, we seem to thrive there!  I am so blessed!  Sometimes you really do have to just let go and let God.  God is good all the time....And all the time, God is good!