I don’t know really, why I, as a man, find myself so “far” from the flowers that my wife, as a woman, likes so much. The flower shop is so close. I could even order flowers every day, knocking on my wall, with Morse code.

But… every day a flower, when I’m busy with so many things and problems? I ‘ve bought flowers already, it was only a month a go, well, perhaps three months ago, because it was for her birthday. What if I simply added flowers to normal shopping? It could be then regular.

After a lengthy analysis, many decisions and about ten unsuccessful attempts I did it and a bouquet, the expression of disinterested love, came back to the vase. Well, manhood is a difficult material. Not only for a woman. But I, as a man, like challenges.

And all this because “what do need love for if we don’t show it” *

Michał

*heard in some film.

//

Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him (Mark 3:9)

It’s quite clear that the New Year has worn off a bit already. There are not fewer duties, but more, I’d say. There are new commitments to accept and new projects to realise, both at work and at home.  And I’m just waiting for someone to appreciate me, or even more- to understand my intentions. Just a bit of vanity.

A little, teeny-weeny bit.

There’s only one “but”. Jesus warns me against it today. He shows that once he’d helped everyone at the lake, He was prepared to leave immediately. He did not stay to listen to appreciation and to succumb to the euphoria of the crowd. That was not what He came for.

Can I do it like that?

I must confess that not, really.

Dosia

With Him, we’ll do the difficult things tomorrow, and the impossible ones – a bit later.

So the Captain of the “Harbour” is leaving for his “me-time” alone with the One who holds all of us in the hollow of His hand.

So many of us owe him so much – of his time, being there for us, his readiness to share his experience, guidance and assistance. Always on the way, in journeys, called to all emergencies, pursued on the phone and by kilometers of texts or e-mails. On the train  or car – sleeping off the nights during which he stayed up to receive the last penitent. Because you must always find time for another man.

Isn’t it great that for the nearest two weeks we’ll be able to pay him back with our prayers, to ask Heaven for all the blessing needed in the hermitage?

So let’s support him in his stay at the end of the world. On the other hand – it is enough to stand in front of the Holy Sacrament to be quite close.

The Editors (=what’s left of them for the coming two weeks 😉 )

The most expected time of year, every year. The closer to it, the more joy in my heart.

Each year, it is a bit different. For one thing – becuase the subject of my meditation is different, secondly – because I’m getting to know the hermitage and begin to adjust. Initially the tool re-designing my life, making up for the lost time, asking for some special grace – it is becoming simply a meeting place. The time of a mystery. I’m a child at his Father’s, a brother – at his Brother’s…

Its simple and harsh beauty (no electricity, no bathroom, no tap water, and you have to make fire to get warm) efficiently restores my desire for being radical and free from gadgets. 😉

Even the wrist-watch is no longer necessary: it is enough to follow the rythm of the day marked by the light falling through the windows. The whiteness outside helps one see the world in its pure version. The tiny chapel, surprisingly, is capable of storing not only all the angelic choirs and my beloved Saints, but also so many of You, whose place is constantly in my heart and my prayer.

See you after.

xj

I don’t remember when I was at Home during the weekend (apart from holidays). Or perhaps I should say that I am at home but each time it is a different home. And in this way I get to know you. And I must say – I like visiting you.  

xj

We need to talk.

God

I remain very impressed by the programmes for the families. They are so close to daily life and give energy for a long time afterwards.

I am very happy about the opportunity to repeat Programme 3 – I could do it because I lead with my husband the workshops. It’s so good to learn how much we can do and that it is not life that moves us where it wants but we have a lot to say. about the “here and now” of our life and family. It’s good to see how time management is closely connected with the management of our hearts. And not only do we find it out, but also experience it when we work together.

The materials for Wrocław were packed by the co-author herself. The whole editing team was involved in producing the gadgets for the workshops. I’d like to thank our Jacek, who’s bought the pipes, that he mopped all the floors after everyone. This was solidarity in practice.  .

The Captain asked for prayers on this blog and I’d like to thank for it together with the others. Without this support this project, which was at times beyond human means, would never succeed. And there were so many miraculous coincidences! .

Małgosia

As you already know, the preparation for the programme was by no means easy and the main responsible person was Gosia, who’s trying to deny it all the time, saying that Aga and Jacek have bought pipes, and Ania has brought the cartons but first someone had to think about it, find a solution and ask an appropriate person – a participant – for help.

11 couples took part in the workshop. Most of them knew each other well so there was a good and cosy atmosphere. And – as is mostly the case during weekend workhops – there was intensive work. Fortunately the participants were understanding and disciplined so there were only slight delays. And the subjects raised have given a lot of food for thought, also for us, the organisers. Now everyone will think in their own kitchens what film they will be watching and with whom.  .

We need to clean our homes and hearts from what is unnecessary, from what disturbs and destroys. And it’s best to do it with Jesus because He “even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him” (Mk 1: 27)

Dosia

When I make an inventory, similar to Michael’s when he sums up his economic activity throughout the year, I listen to what is most important to me. It’s very easy to see those number ones because we fear most to lose them.

Than I look at the truth about myself: the daily reminder I know Whom I trusted; then the wedding ring on my finger, children’s clothes on the dryer but also the surrounding circumstances, pain in the back and other symptoms.

Sometimes number ones need a certain correction. Sometimes they are subject to negotiations. Sometimes we have to bid farewell to one of them and then we’re sad. Like to buying an extra dress when what’s more necessary are new shoes for the daughter because the old ones are leaking.

However, Gollum comes to my mind (have you seen “The Hobbit” yet?); Gollum who so much wanted this one thing only that he never realised he’d turned into this:

When I give all my number ones to the Lord, my Number One, He will not only arrange them but will also surprise me and fulfil the desires far deeper than skin deep and He will give me this beauty that comes from the freedom from oneself. I ask Him for this – to have the heart free to love.

M