Spiritual re-awakening – then breakfast!
Most Sundays of late, you will find us at the 9:30 mass over at Holy Spirit. We started going again in earnest last summer, and for the most part, haven’t missed many Sundays. Team Vandy goes to the 9:30, so we sit with them. Downing are there too, and even a family of Camellos a few rows back! It feels good to go to church, and to be surrounded by our friends. With all the pressures of the world today, and just everyday life, when I walk into that church, kneel down and bow my head, I can feel the weight of the world (my world anyway) being lifted from my shoulders. Its good. I can sit and reflect. And pray. And I do. Where I used to daydream or peoplewatch during mass, these days I try to listen, to pray, and to agree and/or disagree with the homily, and am even able to gleen words of encouragement and sometimes understand how what is being said works in my everyday life. It took 50 years but I’m finally beginning to understand what it all means. As an example, during mass there is a point when the priest says “Lift up your hearts”, and the people will say ” we lift them up to the Lord”. I’m sure most people go through the motions and just say these words without giving them much thought. But when the priest says “lift up your hearts” he is asking you to let your heart be light! Be happy! Get to a place in your life where you are truly happy, because if you are in a happy place, only then can your heart be lifted up to the Lord. I’m trying to let my heart be light. Trying to lift up my heart. I think its working. And I think church is helping. I walk out feeling good, refreshed, alive. HUNGRY!!
Most Sundays of late, after mass, you will find us at the Cabrillo Park Cafe for breakfast. There is just something about Sunday breakfast out that is so satisfying! I think we really hit our stride when the kids were going to St Leonards school and we were going to mass there every Sunday. We passed to many resturants on the drive home that eventually we had to stop. Our good time breakfast train made stops at all the local breakfast eateries. Country Way was our favorite, followed by Classic (formerly Chubby’s) Diner, then Norman’s. There was a stretch there when we were going to breakfast with Kahuna and family almost every Sunday! Including an Easter Sunday breakfast (at Classic Diner) on our way to a 10 day Hawaiian vacation! These days, its Cabrillo Park all the way. Not only is it our neighborhood restaurant, its better than the rest! Better breakfast, better food, better service, better coffee, and even flavored creamers! Barb just loves those flavored creamers : ) Sometimes its just a table for two, but mostly its for four, six, eight or more! Some of our kids, some Vandenbusch kids (or grandkid), Downings, whoever! Its all good. So what is about a simple breakfast, made by others, that tastes so darn good? Eggs, meat, taters and toast! Throw in a short stack on the side and a glass of OJ and….. HEY NOW!! Thats good eating! The one two punch of church and breakfast is good. Very good.
After nourishing my soul AND my body, I’m good for the rest of the day. And week.
LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS!
