“The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men

“The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men 

And so I am in Wisconsin for the big one week practicum for spiritual direction. The plans are all set. The schedules are all laid out and wham! COVID strikes again. One of the staff is no longer able to participate. They change the plans, they lay out new schedules and wham! Another Staff tests positive. And they groan. What is next?

We have a tornado warning, so off we trot to the basement and we sit and wait. Fortunately the warning faded off into history and we all returned to our places. 

For now, the plans of the practicum continue, although largely altered. Many of the staff return home and opt to do their parts on zoom.  The 13 participants, yes I am one, who are presently on site, seem to be willing to stick it out and stay.  Wait, 13? That can't be good.

I came across this prayer by Father Thomas Keating downstairs by the desk. It seems to fit.

Welcome, welcome, welcome.
I welcome everything that comes to me today,

because I know it's for my healing.

I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons,

situations, and conditions.

I let go of my desire for power and control.

I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, 

approval and pleasure.

I let go of my desire for survival and security.

I let go of my desire to change any situation,

condition, person or myself.

I open to the love and presence of God and God's action within.

Amen.

I think probably the director of the program might not be into receiving this prayer but it does seem to fit the way life goes.  

We of course don't welcome COVID but perhaps all we can do is welcome another day with all its changes.