Taking it easy and tackling monsters-- all good things

We had a decent day yesterday; pretty quiet, peaceful, and Holly and I had a good time. G had a day to himself, really, with some reading, napping, a little outdoor snow removal, but generally an unscripted day to do as he wished. Which turned out well: for the first time in 46 years, the US Men's Hockey Team won the gold medal at the Olympics-- which, for the record, was on G's birthday the last time, too, in 1980. We got to watch the whole game in our pjs. It was a great start to the day. 

I watched Fr. Rory's homily on the livestream, too (the hockey game was on in the other room). It was another great homily, and it really made me think a lot. Part of his homily centered on the fact that the Fall in Eden is called Adam's Sin, not Eve's. That provided a lot of thought: why didn't Adam step in and help her not make a poor choice? I've often wondered about that. And the other part of the homily that really hit me was Fr. Rory's discussion about the nature of the "snake" in the Garden. The original Hebrew doesn't say "snake," per se; it translates to something like dragon or monster-- in other words, it is what your fears are, manifested. Fr. Rory said (and yes, I wrote it down) that "your monster is not someone else's. The monster is very particular, still attractive, and very personal." It typifies lust, greed, and pride. It is something you know you should refuse, but it pulls you in, and that battle is one that you will likely have to face over and over again. It's something you want, not something you need. And yes, we need help defeating it. 

I wrote his words on a sticky note and it's on my desk. I think it's a good reminder. Whatever the attraction is -- material, physical, emotional-- it's mine to grapple with. And none of us can wait for Adam to step in (though it's great if we have support people)-- God is the one who can, and will, help us keep our monster in check. 

Lots to think about there. 

And by the way, the cake Holly and I made-- the black forest inspired one-- was a hit. It lacked something of eye appeal -- it got stuck inside the cover of the cake keeper, so had to be released-- but it was pretty before hand. And it tasted really good. She's a good helper. I'm glad I get to be with her this week. Yes, I'll be exhausted (I actually fell fast asleep in my chair at 7 last night), but she is a good little human. And, for whatever it's worth, I'll be there for her as long as I'm around. 

Have a good Monday. Hold your loved ones tight.

C



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