Today I attended a memorial Mass at St. Brigid's Catholic Church where my friend Dan worshiped regularly. Dan was a very simple man with much love and joy in his heart. He was not well off financially nor was he blessed with great health. Father Steve gave a wonderful sermon  using an analogy comparing people who avoided Dan and the stained glass windows of the church.
He mentioned that when people let down their guards and got to know Dan they were blessed with a happy loving joyful soul which he surely was.

Likewise people may at first see the hugh church building with the foreboding dark stained glass windows from the outside and choose to be fearful or intimidated of entering. Once inside though, they are rewarded with the beauty and warmth of the artists rendering of those creations blessed by God.

It was another reminder to me of the shortness of our time here on this earth and of the gifts that others and that God have to share with us. If only we open ourselves up to the possibilities.
Bob Miller
The Stroke Coach