Time to Meet the Judge

I got notice from my lawyer that a meeting has been set with the judge in our divorce.
About 85% of divorcing couples meet with the judge and then decide to settle. My understanding is that the judge says, "Knowing what I know now, after lawyers present facts, I decide thus and so, if you don't agree, see you in court"

So we go before the judge July 16th Monday 8:30 we must be the first review case of the day. The move from the condo is about complete. I couldn't work on it this weekend because I have a patient who died and needed to work on his memorial service. He has four daughters who love him very much and they wrote it. It will be filled with the reading of his favorite poems and music. It is a a beautiful service. I will speak for about 5 minutes on his spirituality, as requested by the family.

I need to hire a firm to move furniture out of the condo, I cleared out the safe-deposit box. I had to get the marriage licence as I will apply under Dow's not mine when I am ready to retire.
I spent the day in the garden, continuing to plant annuals everywhere I can fit them into the foundation planting area. I need the garden therapy and the plants need to be in the ground.

I presided at liturgy this morning using this meditation for the homily.
People had a good response to the experience, I invite you to do the same.

Place all items on the floor, let your hands rest in your lap.

Please close your eyes, and pay attention to your breathing.

In, out, in, out.

Find yourself on steps leading down,

10, 9, 8…one step.

Before you is a path, follow the path…

The path leads to a open area…

You see many, many people sitting on the grass in groups of families and friends.

You look around and see Jesus…

Jesus take the five loaves and two fishes.

He blesses them and gives them to distribute to you and all the other people.

Talk to Jesus…

Ask him about the bread and fishes…

Ask Jesus what he would you do...

Enjoy the meal with Jesus and friends.

It is now time for you to leave.

Say goodbye to Jesus and friends.

Follow the path to the steps

Walk up to the steps and when you are ready

Return to this room,

And open your eyes.

______________________

When I was preparing the homily, I had a mystical experience also.

From my journal:

Instead I was “back in the chapel” at Walter Reed.

I saw only Jesus holding the out the loaf of bread.

(The chapel seats 8, with a stained glass icon of Mary holding the Christ child, back lit. Normally it is dark with soft light. On the right wall, I assume a gift from someone is an almost life size

Carved wooden frieze of Jesus and the parable of meeting the disciples on the beach, after the day of fishing. He prepares a meal of bread and fishes. In the art Jesus is holding out a loaf of bread, the fish are at his feet. The boat is separate and behind him.)

Jesus is before me holding out the bread. I began to weep. I take the loaf from Jesus and hold it tightly to my chest, and weep. I clutch the bread, it is life. I begged for Jason’s life in prayer at WR. Now again Jesus gives me the Bread of Life. It is mine, forever. Nourishment for my soul. Strength for my journey.

Even as I am estranged from Jason, divorcing Dow.

I eat of the Bread of Life.

What a paradox.

To let go of relationships, to be in relationship to my compassionate Godde.