by Susan Mattern | | Life
When I was five years old, I started taking piano lessons from a kind old lady named Mrs. Sale. At least, I think she was old. I was only five, so she could have been in her late thirties, and I would have thought she was old. I learned where Middle C was right away,...
by Susan Mattern | | Filters, Human Connection, Life
I was thinking about Donald Trump the other day. Don’t worry, this blog isn’t going to be about politics. Really! I was thinking about how people see him so differently. A majority of Americans think he’s a terrible president, should be impeached,...
by Susan Mattern | | Happiness, Life
My family was talking about happiness the other evening. The six of us adults were having the usual banter back and forth about how to define happiness. Is it contentment? Is it measured in success? Is it just a fleeting emotion, whereas satisfaction a more lasting...
by Susan Mattern | | Forgiveness, Life, World Peace
Every Miss America contestant wishes for it. Hallmark must want it badly because it’s on almost every Christmas card. Everybody hopes for it. I’m pretty sure you want it. I know I do. World Peace. Peace on Earth. Peace on Earth is a tall order. But even...
by Susan Mattern | | Christmas Eve, Convent, Life, The Bell Tower
“Time for bed, postulants! It’s 7:30!” Sister Miriam’s scratchy voice penetrated the walls of the study hall. It was Christmas Eve, and all of us first-year nuns, called postulants, had been sitting obediently at our desks. Suddenly, we were...
