​Today, I drove to the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kelowna to donate cash to some Ukrainian women I had recently connected with. These ladies had organized a bake sale to pay for medical supplies to send to Ukraine. I thought it would be a quick stop and that I could also buy some authentic pierogies and borscht after. To my great surprise, the lineup snaked through the parking lot, spilling over onto the adjacent road and continued down the cross street. I thought, well isn't it wonderful to see my community coming together to aid these amazing women in their mission to help Ukraine. So many smiling faces, both young and old.

Sweet Ukrainian Mamma

I picked up my cell phone and called the women from the group I spoke to earlier in the week from the Ukrainian Catholic Church and asked if she could come out to collect my donation because I didn't have time to stand in line to get food. I realized I would have to explain to my youngest why I didn't come home with some delicious home cooked Ukrainian food as promised, but oh well such is life. The sweet Ukrainian mamma answered my call and came out right away. 

Community Connection

What I love most about the last few days is the demonstrated proof that Kelowna is filled with kind and caring people who are willing to connect, share and help when called upon! Life is filled with different people and various situation we must all learn to navigate. I'm as proud of my community as I am of Ukrainians because they're ALL willing to stand up for FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY. Although my heart has been broken since learning of the war in Ukraine, it was now filled with joy when I saw all these people lining up to help! It humbled me and reminded of a prayer I pray every morning. "Help me remain humble so Truth is revealed, acceptance achieved and expectations adjusted, no matter the outcome."

Prayer of Truth

As I write this blog tonight, I remembered a lesson life taught me back in 2016, as I sat by my sister's hospital bed while she recovered from the removal of one of her lungs due to cancer. And that is this: "We have no power or control over when we're brought into this world or when we leave it, so why do we struggle to have power and control while here?"

We all struggle with something, and no matter how big or small it is. It's my belief there's always an answer if one chooses to seek Truth and humbly embrace struggle. "Becoming aware of and accepting Truth generates a natural resolve to trust. Focusing on a problem or an expected outcome limits materialization of new realities, whereas restricting expectations and trusting Truth opens doorways to endless possibilities."

Now that I know there's only one thing I can control in life, that being to humble myself where does this leave me? It leaves me resolved to embrace struggle so I can trust Truth, for it's the sole place one can find peace in a world filled with heartache and pain. 

Trust or Expectation 

I've learned understanding the difference between trust and expectations is critical. Trust at its core is an unconditional expectation or more simply put, an unrestricted belief in the integrity of someone or something. A great example of trust is ones willingness to jump on a trampoline. You trust that the trampoline has been engineered to handle the weight and tension bouncing creates, so you climb on and jump.  

An expectation, on the other hand, can be labeled as a premeditated resentment or an assumption that disappoints. When the outcome your expectation creates is different than you imagined, a resentment is generated. While it’s not unreasonable to have an expectation, it’s what you do with your expectation once it's not been met that counts. If you remain humble and fluid when an expectation falters, you will continue to be at peace because you trust in the Truth that there is always an answer. This is why I pray every morning, "Help me remain humble and embrace struggle, so Truth is revealed, acceptance achieved, expectations adjusted, no matter the outcome."

In these uncertain times, I encourage everyone to pray this prayer, so you too can have the peace that passes all understanding. 

​We are all in this TOGETHER!

by Bonnie Penner