In Manhattan, real estate is at a premium. Living here requires creativity and ingenuity. The Trader Joes on 72nd street spans three floors. They have created a unique, efficient way to get the grocery carts from one floor to the next. I was struck by this clever approach.

For many, the economic pressures of the past few years have been crushing. Financial goals, hopes, and expectations have vanished. Wealth has become slippery, hard to keep within grasp.

This phenomenon is cyclic, recurring in history. When I was in Argentina from 1975-77, inflation was at 1,000% per year and we used the peso shown below called the “peso ley”, one of many versions of currency that has been printed over the years in Argentina. Inflation has greatly devalued the Argentine peso such that the current peso, called the “peso convertible” is worth 100 billion of the pesos that I used in the mid 1970s. Another example of how slippery money can be. 

Yet amidst these monetary failures, life goes on. For some, there are bright rays among the dark stormy clouds. These rays of hope have nothing to do with riches or things. Current circumstances have given us an opportunity to tame our never-to-be satisfied appetite for things and money. I personally have appreciated a re-evaluation of priorities in my life.  God, family, friends, and love. What more could I want?  

Even in the wee hours of the night, public transportation options are plentiful for those visiting New York. Tonight I am grateful for trains and subways.

I appreciate unusual patterns in nature. Why did this branch grow in a circular fashion? I think these patterns are all around us but mostly unrecognized. I often don’t “see” these interesting things but I am learning to seek them out.

I am grateful that God speaks to me.  I have an increasing appreciation for those moments where I feel His promtings, His direction, His comfort, and most of all, His peace.  To receive what God is sending me, I need to be still.  I need to put aside the worries and stresses of the day.  I need to shut out chaos and noise and technology.  For me, I hear God’s voice most often early in the morning while I am getting ready for the day.  This time often affords me a few minutes without interruption.  It is a time of routine such that I don’t have to actively think about what I am doing.  It is in these moments that I find my mind and heart most ready to feel and receive spiritual direction.