Sometimes, a thought keeps coming up. I generally figure when that happens, I need to pay attention. In a recent confession, my priest mentioned that the reaction when someone does something that bothers you is to thank God. Wow, I thought. But, I could see the wisdom in it.

Pondering that, I had the opportunity to see Metropolitan Hierotheos speak yesterday. He also hit upon the very same thought, that whatever comes our way, we need to thank God for all things. It’s very easy as Christians to thank God during the good times, but it is definitely not as easy to thank God for the trials and tribulations. And, as Christians, we are specifically called to take up those trials and tribulations by taking up our cross.

This reminded me that a dear woman I’ve known online for years, Meg always begins her emails with the delightful “Glory to God for all things.” She gets it. Now I need to too.

I also must add that it was an amazing pan-Orthodox talk, and I got to see many good friends, sit next to my Goddaughter (who cracked me up after the opening prayer by leaning over and saying, “that was Greek to me”), to see friends from across the mountains, meet a woman who would have been a parish member with me had we moved to Kennewick, and to see the delightful Arielle.


(photo credit )

And, suddenly, it's all worth it. Heard last night, "Mom, since you scrapbook and everything, can you come help me?"

Whew! I could.