A Memory of Camping

The other day I was reminded of camping. A few of us went to Yosemite and Bass Lake last July for a quick yet very relaxing and enjoyable camping trip. I remember the peacefulness of nature, the adventure of a new excursion, and the nice getaway from the daily routine and busyness in order to escape into a quieter and serene like oasis. I couldn't help but match up these memories of camping to the reality of now with this pandemic in our world, our society and lives. It has changed so much of our daily routine, but in parts that are good such as slowing down and reflecting more.

When I think of camping, I also think of the other neighbors nearby who are also enjoying the beauty of nature and felt called to also camp and live and sleep among the birds and wild animals. With this virus happening in front of us, it also made me think of our neighbors and how like camping, we don't associate with them as much anymore for the choice of not getting too close to catch something and the paranoia and fear that we can all face; yet we are all experiencing together.

The slowness of time has also connected my memory with camping and now. There is less to do and be which allows for more of a forced than encouraged sense of desire of slowing down. Life has become more simple just like camping where the time of day is shown from where the sun rests in the sky. People want to get outside now more than before and take in nature and the breath of freedom and calmness. Like in our camping trip, being outdoors was part of most of our day and taking in God's creation.

This time of more slowness and step back from the daily routine has reminded me of that time in summer and camping. There was a slowness and peace with more reflection from a busier time prior personally and one that really wrecked with my mental, and emotional state but strengthened me spiritually. It was a breath of fresh air to take a rest physically, mentally, and spiritually and to step away from that daily grind even if I had no idea where I was to go next. That time reminds me a bit of this time, with a forced slowness, but one that has fear and uncertainty outside. However, I believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel, a silver lining to all of this.

There is hope and joy still as today is the feast of the Annunciation and this 4th week of Lent is referred to as Gaudete Sunday and meaning rejoice because Easter and the Lord's coming is soon. So too with this time of waiting and patience throughout Lent, it holds for our lives and the times now.

There couldn't be a better time for us to slow down, and reflect and pray more during this Lenten season. Just like that camping trip was a perfect time for me to take more time in nature and more time for reading, and reflection before the unknown was upon me. That camping trip was very helpful in the sense of perspective and gratitude. In a similar way with the busyness of our world having to nearly stop at its breaks and try to be innovative and creative. With this shelter in place protocol and isolation for some, it really can feel like we're camping inside our homes and just going outside to the grocery store or taking a walk. Although the future is unknown, it too has allowed some good to happen in our lives and in our world.

Pearl From an Oyster

"Circumstances must not control you; you must control circumstances. Do something to them! Even the irritations of life can be made stepping stones to salvation. An oyster develops a pearl because a grain of sand irritated it." This was an excerpt from a wonderful book I read last summer by V. Fulton J Sheen titled 'Remade for Happiness.'

I came across this point from the book recently as it reminded me of challenging situations and hardships that have happened in the past few years and some of the things that helped me, inspired and encouraged me.

These are good reminders for me now, as every season in life has its own share of hardship, suffering and growth. As of recently, I am undergoing some sadness and melancholy due to a special priest who is being transferred to another parish. It's hard not to get emotional about this change. I will miss his presence, his words of spiritual insight and wisdom, as well as his role as leader, and of course a spiritual father to the parish. I can't help but think of the hard times I was going through internally and this particular priest was a positive and encouraging presence to have around, whether that be in saying Mass, praying in the chapel, or receiving the Sacrament of Confession from him. In all, I have so much to be grateful for and I want to focus on that more.

This pearl from an oyster came in other forms in the last months and years. Just last year, I was looking through an old notebook from school that was used for Shakespeare notes, other English courses and International Relations notes. I was perusing through and looking back, and remembered my sister's old friend wrote on top of certain pages of little notes that made you smile since they were dispersed throughout. The thought of this old friend brought back inspiration as I recalled she was another kindred and creative soul, who also loved English and literature. My dear sister gave me the bracelet that her friend made, (and that notebook from her) that was so original and creative, it helped me throughout my long and hard work days.

I remember back in early 2017, I had an inspiration to make videos on YouTube. It was an outlet that I hadn't tried before and also thought it would be a good idea to be comfortable on camera. My idea was for English lessons, as I was tutoring students in person. This idea of making videos gradually led into Arabic language lessons to help me continue learning the Arabic language and share it with others. It helped me in moments when I didn't have a lot going on and another thing to pursue and find inspiration with on the side.

During difficult internal moments, prayer is always powerful and a way to turn a deep and personal challenging times into a prayer. To surrender to God, His plans, and to ask and hope for what I need. It's also been a beautiful way to turn the pains into something good and unite them with Jesus's sufferings and passion.

Also in 2017, I had the inspiration to get more into cooking, grocery shopping and was inspired to try out different recipes from my international cookbooks. I wanted to create and serve in some way, and first it was at home. But this desire deepened as those months went by, and I didn't know where to look to. With a lot of research and prayer, I was able to volunteer with a senior center and serve food. I feel in love with it and was grateful for those many months of uncertainty due to the fruition of hope and joy. I continue to enjoy cooking, making new recipes and have collected 2 binders full of recipes!

I wrote a lot due to various thoughts and feelings and wanted to jot things down. I would write in the pages of notebook, and still do, but creating Samakti was officially born out of a need and desire to write, to share and to become creative in another form.

These are just a few things that have encouraged me to change a circumstance within my control, to learn, grow from and grow closer to God. I am grateful for these experiences.