Monday, 21 October 2013

My reconciliation with foregiveness and gratitude

Term 4 has just starter for parents Down Under. So has the countdown to Christmas and there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. So when my daughter handed out a flyer with the first reconciliation program after her scripture class, I must admit (or maybe confess) I showed limited enthusiasm initially.
We are not regular churchgoers. Too busy this year, we can push it back to next year, right? Hang on, what will make things different next year? Term 4 will still be short and busy.

So on the closing day of enrolment I filled in the form on the parish website. My daughther is going to do her 1st reconciliation in 2013. It will happen end of November, so we are only at the start of the program.
I can already tell it was a great decision. It forces us as a family to slow down, reflect more, talk about important topics. And shall I say, pray.

My favorite prayer with the kids is the thank you prayer.

Lord you are so good
Thank you for the gift of life,
for our world, the sunshine and the rain.
Thank you for our family and friends;
our health, our wok, our home, our food
and all the good things that you give us.
We are truly grateful.
Amen.

Thursday, 17 October 2013

Holidays are now !

We travelled to Paris recently to catch up with family and friends. Parisians (including me) are constantly running around, stressing out and moaning. Everybody is dreaming about getting a week off in South of France or spending a weekend in the country side.

Australians have only 4 weeks off per year, much less than the French who get 5 weeks (plus "les RTT", which are extra days off in lieu of payment when you work more than the basic hours in a week). Yet Australians are so relaxed. They try to balance up work and personal time. Now. Everyday. Which might be a little easier I reckon when you have the most beautiful beaches at your doorstep like in Sydney.

This picture was not taken in sunny Sydney but in Calvi, Corsica. If you are looking for a nice spot for your next trip to Europe, Corsica has lots to offer : pristine waters, gorgeous mountains, typical villages and amazing food. Think smelly sheep cheese, lovely wild boar salami and of course Corsican wine.

Happy weekend everyone !