Hello. It has been a while; but, for good reason. The holidays, visiting family took me on the road, mostly southward. It was a hectic pace, but wonderful as well. Before I cover the familial portion, allow me to touch on a few other points first.

Are you seated? If not, at least move to a carpeted area before continuing reading. Why? Well, today I went to church. I've been a wee bit remiss here lately, so it was really over due. When you least expect it, something comes out and strikes you during this time. Hopefully, it isn't lightning bolts, but rather something spiritually uplifting.

There is a prayer in the mass which has always impressed me; but, at times seems incredibly meaningful, even in a secular application. Toward the end of the mass, the priest and everyone in the congregation all say:

"Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ."

The phrase within that prayer which strikes me is "protect us from ALL anxiety."
Free from ALL ANXIETY! Now, keeping us free from sin isn't too shabby a status either; but, it could lead to terminal boredom. Also, if juicy rationalizations count as a sin (maybe venial) then being without sin is probably too much for any of us to hope for any time soon.

Let's consider the being free from anxiety status...even for a day:

• No worries about traffic making you late for an arrival.
• Forget about that bank balance cutting it close to the bone.
• Eat garlic all you want without fear of offending.
• Go ahead, let that light-flashing police cruiser pass you. Its light tolls for another.
  
• Giving a speech about reducing benefits and payroll? No problem.
• Concerned about where you'll be spending your eternal rest? Don't give it a thought.                      Imagine everything coming your way being handled with the same aplomb.