Blank Pages And The Pope

It’s the day before I’ve committed to posting a blog, and I’m coming up empty. I was afraid this might happen—commit to a weekly blog post and have zero inspiration. Nothing, not a single idea, comes to mind. I’m staring at blank pages. Let me rephrase that; I can’t think of anything to write about that might interest or hopefully inspire you or that you would want to set aside a few minutes to read. Perhaps this emptiness is an invitation to go deeper.

I’ve just returned from Argentina, and I can’t blame this lack of inspiration on jet lag. There’s only an hour of time difference, so I’m not foggy or groggy. My mind feels clear, and yet nothing is coming to the forefront. 

I could tell you about the delicious foods we ate and the extra pounds I’m bringing home, the perfect weather that graced us, and the sweet family memories we made. I saw my first Gaucho, an Argentine cowboy. He was on horseback with six dogs following closely behind. Coffee shops—I could write an entire blog series on the countless coffee shops splattered across the cities of Argentina. 

Everyone in Argentina drinks coffee all day, every day—and even into the night. Coffee is a serious business. You can’t walk a hundred yards without passing a coffee shop. Folks go to coffee shops to pause throughout the day, meet with friends and family, and chat over a cup-a-joe. It’s a lovely custom focused on building friendships. 

While savoring a morning cappuccino in Buenos Aires, news broke that shook the world: Pope Francis had passed away. He’d gone home to the Father. It’s a big deal when the Pope dies; in fact, it’s monumental. I have spent the past 10 days in Argentina, Pope Francis’ homeland, and if I knew more about him, I might be able to share insights or things about his life. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t closely follow his papacy or the popes before him. I’m not sure why I don’t make time to read their encyclicals and letters. And I read a lot about spirituality. Telling you all this makes me feel a bit ashamed that I don’t know enough to comment about Pope Francis’ life. However, what the news has been reporting makes me want to know him better.

We can be significantly influenced, positively or negatively, by what we read or hear, second or third-hand. The best practice is always to go to the source. My mom always said, “Believe nothing of what you hear and half of what you read. Believe what you see.” Her words of wisdom were always to go to the source and see it yourself. So, in honor of Pope Francis, I’m going to the source to dig out some of his writing and read what The People’s Pope had to say. I’m sure I’ll find inspiration in his writings; without a doubt, he will teach me and speak to my heart.

I’ll let you know what I find next week. Perhaps Pope Francis’ words will touch your heart, too, and God willing, turn next week’s blank pages into something you’ll want to read.

Is there a voice of wisdom you’ve been drawn to but haven’t yet explored?