Nova Scotia is beautiful. We took the RV up there in 1997 and
thought the scenery was wonderful. Have a good time Eagle.
There isn't one fear mentioned on this thread, which I cannot
shake my head up and down and say, "Oh yes. I fear that. too."
Perhaps when you said we've seen what can happen and what does
happen, and that inflates the fear factor, is why "fear" overtakes our thoughts. The years make a person aware of so much.
Kids don't think passed the next party.

Jabber, it's all so true, isn't it, for some of us. The fear stems from all that we've seen, and now we know painfully well what CAN and does happen. It's imperative that we do what we can to keep that fear at bay, though, because once rooted, it becomes a spider's web of anxiety, panic, futility, depression and obsessive fear.

Today is our wedding anniversary. But for some reason, at the breakfast table, I felt empty. Breakfast is usually my favourite prayer time, but this morning, I just couldn't drum up anything more than a simple grace. And I apologized to God, admitting that my heart felt heavy and empty, though I didn't know why, and that I just couldn't think of anything to say to Him this morning. Right away, He reminded me of all the hunger in the world, the people fearing for their lives all over the world, people battling cancer - etc - and I heard Him say, "when you have nothing to say, speak for those who cannot speak for themselves". Right away, I bowed my head and prayed for all of these people, and the more I prayed, the more there was to pray for. There's never any reason for an empty prayer. If I can't think of something to say, there are always people to lift up to God in care and love.

Praying like that immediately lifted the shroud of sadness (wherever it came from doesn't matter) from my heart and reminded me of how blessed I truly am.

Jabber, I lived in Nova Scotia for 17 years and always have a longing to go back. It is so beautiful there, especially this time of year when the leaves are so colorful. My best friend lives there, and we'll have a good time together. I'll also be visiting another friend who's dying of Lou Gehrig's disease. Anyone who has read my book will remember Basil, a much-cherished priest friend whose gifts to me cannot possibly be encapsulated in a few short words here. Even as this terrible disease eats away at his body and abilities, Basil is a shining light of faith, radiating the Presence of God "even here" (Basil's words).

Eagle Heart, how beautiful a person you are and it doesn't surprise me in the least God spoke to you in this fashion asking you to pray for those who need prayers so much.

Eagle, your very presence at the table and sharing in this forum is the prayer, and I am humbled by your spiritual capacity and for what you teach.