As the Cock Crows

I remember not the exact date, but the timeframe and the person who introduced to me the phrase “as the crow flies”: on the Year of Spirituality at Mary Immaculate Center in Northampton, PA, somewhere between the fall of 1998 and the spring of 1999. Two reflections occur to me: 

1. While flight is generally measured in terms of distance, it is also measured in time, and is modified by such factors as resistance, etc. But today I realized that the phrase “as the crow flies“ applies equally well to time: for example, the estimated assembly time for a particular item is 15 minutes, but that’s “as the crow flies.“ 

This particular crow considers himself less skilled in the art of assembly, though occasionally eager to ply himself to the endeavor. My current flight, the assembly of a corner shelf, is modified by such factors as preparedness (low), kinesthetic intelligence (moderate?), and distraction (high, by nature; I interrupted the assembly to write this).

2. Curious indeed can be our memories surrounding particular events, including the subjects of interest (words and phrases), the persons involved (Fr. Shane Lynch, now a priest of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York), and even the clothes we were wearing (it’s a safe bet was in black).

Since these days could apply for many of us (ready, willing, and able or not) as a sort of retreat, consider this exercise. 

As you engage in various conversations and activities—some of which might be unusual because the times are—think back to early instances of them and everyone/everything involved, and offer gratitude for who was involved (including yourself at the time, mindful of any changes that have taken place since then), and any other noteworthy details of time or place, sensory aspects included, if you are so inclined.  

Think of the constants, leading up to the occasion, all the way to the present moment. Offer to God, *the* Constant Ever-Changing-and-New, praise and thanksgiving for everyone and everything involved, contrition for defective modes of response, voluntary and involuntary, and petition for whatever seems needful for the future—which might include renewed appreciation for what’s going on right now.