Praise be Jesus Christ, now and forever! Praise be His holy and venerable name. Praise He who was, is, and is to come. Praise Him; praise Him in the morning. Praise Him in the noontime; praise Him when the sun goes down.
Thank You, O Lord, for all thy benefits. Thank You when it is as scales fall from our eyes allowing us to “see” all that You have been preparing and providing for us. Thank You for opportunities to be Your hands, feet, hugs, and comfort. Thank You for the beauty that is Your perfect plan.
Forgive us, God, when we fail to recognize Your will, Your timing, Your plans as perfect – especially when we do not understand. Forgive us, God, when we are self-centered and short-sighted. Forgive us our forgetfulness and stubbornness.
I am spoiled! I have been so privileged for many years to have a “watch day”. A day set aside to pray and fast, to listen and respond. This day had been protected from outside activities for many years, and on the rare occasions that day was filled with outside obligations, I was able to at least be comforted by the fact that it was a rare occasion.
For the past few years and as my memory and multi-tasking abilities have been challenged, I have struggled with balancing my obligations on my watch day and the quiet and stillness I have become accustomed to having during my prayer time. In times of my frustration, this spoiled spiritual toddler would often ask the Lord, “Why have you placed me in this season of busy-ness on my watch day of all days?”
Last week, God allowed me to see more clearly a few possible reasons He has called me out of my usual spoiled way of spending my watch day. I realized that He has placed me in an environment to demonstrate to junior high students how to spend personal prayer time and give them tools and opportunity to initiate holy conversations. He has placed me in a community that He can use me to notice and comfort other Catholic mommas who have moments that are overwhelming. He has called me to pray for and with them, to extend help with talents He has helped form in me, to offer hugs and encouragement.
Those years I was spoiled having my watch day were in fact years He was forming me and preparing me for this season of life. The season to teach, train, minister, help, and encourage others. I pray for all the grace to remember this “aha” moment when I am tempted to react as a spoiled toddler. I pray for the grace to remember that I am exactly where God placed me, and He works ALL things for our good.
Have you experienced scales falling from your eyes and finally seeing as God sees? Are you in a new season of life? Are you adjusting to your season? Share what God is doing in your life! You never know who God has placed near you that needs to hear it.
Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash
