In January my friends and I got together to make vision boards for 2020.  I bought colorful poster board, pulled together some old magazines, located the scissors that were scattered about the house and cleaned off the kitchen table.   Since I was hosting, my friends brought snacks, adult beverages and glue sticks.  It was an evening of fellowship, laughter, reflection and discussion of the hopes we had for the year.

Strengthening our faith, discovering our passions, exploring new things and exercising were the underlying themes.  At the end of evening, we agreed we would be there to support each other.  During our monthly get togethers we would talk about what we’ve accomplished and give encouragement when things didn’t go as planned.  Turns out there is much that has not gone as planned.  A stark reminder that we indeed are not in control.

My board stays in the dining room and truthfully, I hadn’t thought about it too much in the midst of this crisis.  My golden retriever, Bella, was by the window barking with urgency so I went to see what the problem was. Nothing.  Absolutely nothing (but that’s nothing new).  As I bopped her on her head and shook mine, I caught a glimpse of my vision board.  I stopped to look at it.  2020 certainly hadn’t started as I had hoped but what I didn’t realize was how prophetic my vision board actually was.

As I scanned the board things started jumping out at me:  “God’s Plan”,  “Celebrate God’s Goodness”, “One for the Books”, “Grow”, “Simple Pleasures” and “Make 2020 the Year”.  Talk about being hit by a ton of bricks.  What was I thinking??  It certainly got my attention.  And isn’t it true that it often takes something big to get our attention?  The Holy Spirit is ALWAYS at work and this was no different.  A wave of emotions came crashing over me that I wasn’t prepared for.  I cried.  I needed to cry.  I had so many pent-up feelings and could tell I was starting to become like Alice.  The rabbit hole was calling and it’s just not a place I wanted go.  It was time to let go.

My 2020 Vision Board

During this time of uncertainty we should focus on the things that make us smile;  things that strengthen our faith.  Have you noticed all the trees that are flowering?  The colors and scents seem more vibrant this year.  Have you taken in the scent of the manure? The farmers are still preparing for the planting season.  Have you read the heart-warming stories of how others are helping during these difficult times?  People are donating meals, blood and protective equipment.  Companies are opening their products and services for free.  People are responding to the call.

Sometimes I think we forget God is everywhere.  While we are missing the mass, the sacraments and traditions of the church, we still have community and prayer.   Community and fellowship look a little different but it’s still here.  And one thing that can always do is pray. 

You can pray:

In a car or in a bed

Out loud or in your head

In the dark or in a park

At church or hanging from a birch

In a group or on a stoop

In a boat or with a goat

By yourself or with someone else

With a rosary or with family.

You can pray here or you can pray there.

You can pray virtually anywhere.

As we continue to prayer, let’s pray for each other, our friends and family, our enemies, our first responders, our healthcare workers, our nation, state and local leaders, the sick, the souls in purgatory, the unemployed, our religious, the Pope, the souls of those who have died and the families who can’t properly lay their loved ones to rest.

Pray for the grocery employees stocking and sanitizing shelves, the food service employees cooking, taking and filling orders and those manning the gas stations, rest stops and convenience stores. Pray for our truckers who are hauling across our great country transporting the essentials.

Pray for our churches who are trying to bring us services during this holiest of times. Pray for all parents who are working at home and playing teacher at the same time. Pray for our teachers and students who now learn on-line. Pray for our students who are missing key milestones like graduation, SATs, sports seasons, musical and prom.

Pray for the lonely and the elderly who can’t have visitors. Pray for expectant mothers and their unborn babies. Pray for those fighting addictions or anxiety. Pray for truth from those reporting the news. Pray for the strength of marriages and relationships. Pray for our trash collectors and mail carriers. Pray for healing and forgiveness. And pray for anyone I may have missed, anyone who asks and anyone needing protection.

Pray with purpose.  Pray with resolve. And pray knowing our Heavenly Father and our Blessed Mother with all the angels and saints are holding us tight and listening.

From left to right: Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Rita’s Shrine (Philadelphia, PA) , St. Lucy’s (Newark, NJ), Our Lady in my garden.

As for me and my board, I’ve already decided next year’s vision board will include winning Powerball and having enough toilet paper 😉

Lifting all of you in prayer and sending love and virtual hugs.