You know, I never plan what I will write when I sit to pen my praise reports. I sit down and try to examine life since the last time I did this, asking myself what’s weighing heavy on my heart, or to what God has opened my eyes, or articulate those little miracles that surround us daily. Then I wait… I wait for that inspiration, that unexpected flood of memories, sometimes that still small voice that can be “heard” when we are in prayer and time of reflection. My prayer is that we all listen and then cast away any hesitation or fear in implementing what we feel called to do or say. I also pray that we all make the time to sit, and listen, and reflect – we must make the time; it will not be handed to us.
This morning as I sit in my prayer chair, I am reflecting on how God has been weaning me from the illusion of control in my life, especially regarding my growing children, and in the language of Monica, reminding me that I am not God and that many times I need to be quiet and move out the way. Thank You God for this reminder! Praise You Lord that You are God!
It is so difficult to praise and thank Him when I feel as if, in my self-centeredness and fallen state, I have been an obstacle to His plan, but I was reminded recently that I am not that powerful! God is relentless in His pursuit of each and every soul. Nothing I can do or fail to do can keep Him from doing what is necessary to save souls. But….but when I repent and accept His gift of forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, everything I do, according to His will, participates in His plan to save souls, and sometimes, that means getting my expectations, plans, and advice out of the way! Sometimes, that means obeying my husband even if I feel he’s being too harsh or too lenient, and then trusting that my obedience will be blessed. Sometimes, that means moving in His plan instead of our own. Sometimes, that means He will blow our measly expectations out the water!
Thank You God for opening my eyes to those tendencies and traits that still need so much work. Praise You Lord for Your endless Mercy and Love. Thank You God for the Sacraments and guidance of Holy Mother Church and the Blessed Virgin Mary!
Now, go, sit, reflect, listen, and then, do whatever He tells you. If He disciplines you, thank Him and praise Him—He does that for those He loves. If He says, “Job well done,” thank Him and praise Him — He does that too! He is always so good.
Author : Monica Hebert
