How Close Is Too Close?

 

  We loved visiting Yellowstone National Park! The scenery was spectacular! The number of active geysers and hot springs was astonishing! The wildlife was wild! Antelopes, bears, and bison were roaming the trails and fields. Iconically, we were stopped twice as herds of bison crossed the roads. It was exciting to see these incredible animals up close, but what shocked me was how many people got out of their cars to take pictures! Was I snapping pictures as they walked by? Absolutely, but from a safe distance inside my car. Parents stepped out with their children, trying to get that perfect photo op. Why would anyone put themselves so close to danger? I wanted to scream, "What are you doing? Get back in your cars!"

  I thought about this more later. I wonder how often God may be screaming warnings to all of us. "Hey, take a step back, turn around. This isn't good for you!" We know the dangers that can harm our spiritual relationship with God, and sometimes we risk getting too close and going too far. Temptation is everywhere! Often, we don't even recognize our own behavior as reckless because everyone else is doing it.

  This week, I'm going to take some quiet time to hear the warnings God has been speaking or screaming to me. Whether these behaviors are intentional or unrecognized, I need to see my life more clearly. My far vision might be pretty good, but my near vision could use a corrective lens. I don't need a wild life that teeters on the edge of danger; I'd rather be walking hand-in-hand with my Creator.

-Susan

The Road To Heaven

 

  I had dreamed of going to Montana for years. In fact, it was on my bucket list. Halfway through the vacation, my family and I drove from the southern border of Montana to the northern border to hike in Glacier National Park. It was one of the most beautiful drives I have taken. I was drinking Diet Coke and belting out song after song on my "Jesus Jams" playlist as I wound through the mountains and open meadows. Every turn in the road was more beautiful than the last.

 This road was definitely less traveled.  I only occasionally passed other vehicles. The road was a series of ups and downs that kept my heart racing to the beat of the songs.  At times, the road seemed to climb straight up, and all I could see were the blue skies above me and puffy white clouds.  I couldn't even see where the road was taking us.  I smiled widely, turned to my daughter in the front seat, and said, "I don't know where this road is taking us, but it feels like we are going straight to heaven!"  We just kept laughing and singing as these ups and downs continued for an hour.  It was an exhilarating ride.  I felt like God was with us the whole time as we admired the beautiful world He created.

  Even now, I smile when I think about that drive. Glacier Park was stunning.  Glacier was the destination, but I feel the journey there is an important part of the story and has taught me a lot as well. The twists and turns, the highs and lows, and the inability to see what lay ahead seemed to capture my life metaphorically.  I am doing my best to steer toward heaven, but I feel the journey is incredibly important.  God's beauty is all around me through every high and low, every valley, and every green meadow.  God is right beside me. The path I am on often looks like the road less traveled, but with God beside me, I know it is the path He has chosen for me.

-Susan

Is That the Holy Spirit?

 

  My granddaughter and I were swinging in the backyard when I looked up and spotted a white bird high in the sky. My first thought was, “Oh my gosh, is that the Holy Spirit?”   My one-year-old granddaughter did not reply. 

  Now I know you may think I’m crazy, but hear me out. I have never seen a white bird in my backyard. I have seen robins, blue jays, cardinals, sparrows, ducks, and hawks, but never a white bird. Although you could easily argue this case otherwise, my heart wants to believe the Holy Spirit hovers around me. In fact, I love that idea. 

  We recently celebrated the feast of Pentecost, but why not celebrate it every day? Our Baptism marked and changed our lives in ways we can’t even comprehend. We sometimes say too casually that we have received the gift of the Holy Spirit at our Baptism. The Divine chooses to dwell in us. That should make our heads spin and our hearts swell. To say God is generous is an understatement. God has given us everything we need to live holy lives. He believes we can do it. Shouldn’t we live as if we believe this as well?

  So I say with confidence, “I saw the Holy Spirit today.”  He was flying over my neighborhood.  He is present in my granddaughter’s smile, and He was present in my daughter’s hands earlier that morning as she helped me. I see the Holy Spirit everywhere, and it fills me with joy! Join my enthusiasm for the Holy Spirit, and be sure to look for Him in your life as well!

-Susan

It's All About The Details

 

  

This past spring, I had the opportunity to hike with my sister on several beautiful trails in Arizona. To my delight, the timing was perfect for seeing the cacti bloom. I was captivated by the different flowers. I snapped picture after picture of these delicate blooms (almost to the point of driving my sister crazy). I was pleased when I returned home and noticed I had captured more than just the flower in one of my pictures.

 What I hadn’t noticed while taking the picture was the bee pollinating the flower. It made me realize that the beauty of God’s creations is even more amazing when you notice the details. It’s so easy to take for granted everything that God has created.

 
 Please join me this week in praising God! Take a closer look at your life. Remember some of your sweetest memories and notice how God was present. Recall a very difficult time in your life and how God helped you through it. What may have seemed like a coincidence or good luck was actually God arranging all the details just so. Take a deep breath in and blow it out. We live and breathe because the breath of God desires you and loves you.  You are an amazing person, and the intricate fingerprint of God is all over you.  We have been blessed with millions of tiny, unnoticed details. Don’t take God for granted this week. Take a closer look at our wonder- working God and love Him even more!

-Susan

Ready To Serve

 

  Often,  as I am getting ready for work, a recurring thought comes to mind, "Why do I have to go to work today?  Why can't I just be independently wealthy?" Those thoughts quickly fade as I put on my uniform and run out the door. Even though I enjoy entertaining the idea of a life of leisure, I know that is not where I will find true happiness. The other day, as I was praying the rosary, I had an epiphany. While meditating on the wedding at Cana, I suddenly realized, "I want to be a servant like those at the wedding."

  Those servants were exactly where God wanted them to be. They instinctively listened to Mary's command, "Do whatever He tells you." They trusted that Mary had insight they lacked. I want to be just like that.  I want Mary to lead me directly to Jesus. I want to hear Jesus' instructions and follow them without question. I want to do Jesus' Will, even when it's hard and I don't understand how it will all work out. 

  I brought this new feeling into prayer later that night. "Jesus, I'm sorry. I complain a lot about having a better life." I closed my eyes and waited for a response. 

  In the moments of prayer that followed, I saw Jesus shake his head and smile at me. "My child, I want that for you, too, but not just yet. If you follow my ways, you will no longer be serving at the wedding feast; you will be sitting with me at the table. I promise you will be happier than you could ever imagine. But right now, I need these jars filled with water. Can I count on you?"

 I returned His smile and replied, "Absolutely."

-Susan

The Good News

 

 “Good evening, I’m Sally Crocker with Channel 6 News.  Let’s go to our top story of the evening: The price of sin seems to be out of control. People these days are really feeling the pressure. Let’s turn now to our field reporter.  Jim, can you tell us if there is any relief in sight for people?  Hardworking families are having a tough time keeping it all together.”
 “Well, Sally, I’m down here at the corner of Cathedral and Saint streets at St. Mary’s Church.  I’m being told they have been fighting sin since the church was built almost 100 years ago. Back then, people were also feeling pressure from the inflation of sin.  So the people in the community came together to pray and ask for help from the parish priest and from God himself. And they had tremendous success!  It seems that the more people attended Mass and received the sacraments, the price of sin in their lives decreased dramatically.  
 Standing next to me now is Father Ron, the current priest of St. Mary’s.  Father Ron, do you think the success St. Mary’s had in the past could be duplicated today, and what exactly would that look like?”
 “Well, Jim, I definitely think we could wage a war on sin. In fact, the Church has never stopped doing so. We just need people to make God and the Church a priority again.”
 “Father Ron, are you suggesting we need to put God first in our lives?”
 “Yes!  When we put God first in our lives, we begin to live according to the Gospel.  We love and respect one another.  We help those in need. We listen to God’s Will rather than our own. We trade selfish lives for holy ones.”
 “Wow, that almost sounds too good to be true. But how difficult would this be for people? How would anyone even know when you are celebrating a Mass, and who exactly would be allowed to come?”
 “Jim, the Church welcomes everyone. It is our mission to share the Good News about Jesus with everyone!  Finding our Mass times is really quite easy. They are posted on the marquee in front of the church and listed in the church paper. We have a church website, a Facebook page, and an Instagram page. We also have a church office with a secretary who can answer any questions you may have, as well as a phone number. We do our best to make being a part of the parish as easy as possible.  I believe there is a direct correlation between the decline in parishioners and the toll sin is taking on people. Unfortunately, our numbers have been down lately, but we are confident that those returning to the church will continue to have great success in fighting the high cost of sin in their lives just as they did nearly a century ago.”
 “Well, there you have it, Sally.  Some old-fashioned praying and going to Mass could just be the answer we have been searching for.  Back to you, Sally."

-Susan

  

He Lights The Way

 

  While waiting for my turn for confession, I sat in a pew reflecting and talking with Jesus. It was my turn next, and as I looked down the aisle toward the confession room, I saw rays of light streaming through the stained-glass windows. I smiled as I noticed the beautiful colors of light that formed a pattern all the way to the confessional door. As I sat there, I couldn’t help but think how fitting it was. Of course, the path to reconciliation could be filled with light.  Of course, it would be beautiful.  

  There is nothing more beautiful than a sinner being reconciled with God.  All of heaven rejoices!  God’s light not only leads us to Reconciliation, but also fills us with His light.  We do not have to walk in darkness. Jesus said, “Walk while you have the light so that the darkness does not overcome you.”  

  Jesus is the Light of the world, and He is waiting for you.  If you are looking for a sign, just look up. He is giving you the green light to come in, talk, and be forgiven. It's your turn.

-Susan

The people who walked in darknesshave seen a great light;Upon those who lived in a land of gloom

a light has shone.

The Best "I Love You" On the Planet

 

  A friend asked me if I had plans for Valentine's Day. I replied, "I'm going to Mass."

  She shrugged and said, "Yeah, I'm not doing anything special either."

  She looked genuinely confused when I said, "Oh, I think I have really special plans." I thought about this later that day. When did worshiping God become just an ordinary activity? I love God, and I love the Mass! An opportunity to catch a glimpse of heaven at the altar of my home church is truly incredible! As I gaze at the large crucifix hanging on the wall, I am filled with love. I am moved not by the love in my heart, but by the love in Christ's heart. He knows all my sins and flaws, and yet He chose to die for me. Knowing I would stumble many times along the way, He still calls me to come closer.

  Jesus looks directly into my soul and says, "I want you to have the very best of Me." Like a child begging for candy, I hold my empty hands stretched out toward Him. The Lord then gives me everything--His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity!  This pure gift of love has no rivals.  Nothing even comes close. It is the best "I love you" on the planet! And in my opinion, it is the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day. I can't think of anything more special!

-Susan

God's Awesome Generosity

 

  Today, my youngest granddaughter will be baptized!  I'm so excited! She will be cleansed of all sin, become a child of God, a member of the Church, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!  What an incredible day! Could our Lord be any more generous?  Well, the answer to this is yes! This is just the beginning.  The graces my granddaughter will receive today and in the sacraments to come are incredible!

  Unfortunately, I sometimes can take God's generosity for granted. But when big events occur,  I believe it's important to reflect on God's goodness. Jesus came to usher in the Kingdom of God so that we could all benefit.  The Kingdom is more than a physical place that one can visit. Through the Church, the Kingdom extends to the ends of the earth and resides in the hearts of the baptized. Once baptized, God chooses to dwell within us through the Holy Spirit.  God's love is perfect, and He is always with us! In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we are loved beyond measure! After being showered with all His love, how could our hearts not fall in love with God too?!

  God, you are an awesome God! Thank you for loving me so much! Each day, open my eyes to your Presence, and open my heart to love you more. Let your Kingdom grow deep roots in my soul, and let your living water produce a bountiful harvest within me to share with the world.

-Susan

Rejoice In The Lord Always

 

  Have you ever experienced one of those moments of utter disappointment, and you thought to yourself, "I really thought things would have turned out better." I wish I could say that thought was unfamiliar to me, but it has surfaced here and there throughout my life. I was counseling someone once, and I said, "If you put God first in your life, everything else will fall into place."  They looked me straight in the eye and said, "Yeah, look how that's worked out for you." Ouch.

  I am the first to admit that my life isn't perfect. But I am also the first to acknowledge that I could never have overcome my disappointments without trusting in God's love. I believe that's why the Beatitudes are such a breath of fresh air. Jesus reminds us that God is always with us. Even when we are struggling, God is doing something in our lives. The world may not see it, and we may not notice, but God's hand is holding us up, and His breath gives us the courage and strength to keep going.

  As I was headed for Mass today, one of my favorite Christian songs,  "Good God Almighty" by Crowder, came on. I smiled, turned up the volume, and sang as loudly as I could. I'll share a couple of lines so you get the idea:

  "Good God Almighty/ I hope you find me/ Praising Your name no matter what comes/ Cause I know where I"d be without mercy/ So I keep praising Your name at the top of my lungs." (song by Crowder 2021)

  Through the highs and definitely through the lows, keep praising God. Put God first, and everything else will fall into place.

-Susan

HI! What Are You Up To?

 

  I had a video call with my grandson the other day. As we talked, he grabbed the phone and ran all over his house, moving from one room to another, showing me his various toys, setups, and art projects.  He was very excited about everything he had been doing. I joked with my daughter, "Doesn't he ever get tired?" 

  "No," she replied, "He is constantly on the move."  

  Later, as I was praying, I was reminded of my interaction with my grandson.  It was so fun to see everything he was involved in that morning,  from his perspective.  This got me thinking...what if I could video call God? I wonder what incredible things I would see? And how different I would see them from God's perspective. I'm sure my mind could not even come close to grasping what God does in 10 minutes of His day. He touches the hearts and lives of everyone.  I can't even understand everything He is doing in just my life, let alone the whole world.

  Contemplating God and His goodness is a blessing. Mary is the perfect example of someone who spent her whole life reflecting on God's movement in her life. It would be wise to imitate Mary and ask for the grace to know God more deeply.

  I think it's incredible that when I settle into prayer, God encourages me to share everything about my day with Him. He is the Almighty, caring for millions, yet He listens to me because He is my Father. He listens to my needs, joys, sorrows, and confusion, and then asks me thought-provoking questions to guide me. (It's embarrassing to admit that sometimes I act as if I'm so busy that I might need to shorten my prayer time.)  

  God is so gracious and generous.  He is never stingy with His time or love. How lucky am I that even though God is always on the move, He never tires of spending time with me!

-Susan

Healing Is A Process

  

  I recently had a minor accident and cut my head as I fell to the ground. After visiting the emergency room, I was quickly stitched up and sent home to recover. My granddaughter came over a few days after the incident. She looked at my head, scrunched up her face, and said, "Oh, look at your cut!"

  "I'm sorry, honey, does it bother you?" I asked.

  She looked at it more closely for another minute and said, "No.  You're healing, and you're getting better." I smiled at what I thought was a very mature answer from a four-year-old.

  Since then, my stitches have been removed, and over time, my scar will become barely noticeable. This made me think about how quickly scars on our skin can heal compared to those on our hearts. I know I'm not alone. Most of our hearts have been scarred in one way or another. Sometimes they are caused by others, sometimes by our own mistakes, and sometimes by a chain of events completely out of our control. There is no special cream or medicine to take away the pain of these scars. They are only softened and healed through prayer.

  I am so grateful that God understands my pain.  He sits close to me, His arms wrapped around me, allowing me to cry, whine, or scream with anger. After I am exhausted from my pain, I lift my eyes to His face and beg for help. As I place all my trust in Him, I feel His peace and love flow through me.

  Recently,  I was wondering, "Lord, do all my scars bother you?"

  I felt Him pull me closer and whisper, "No, my child.  I love you. You are healing, and you're getting better."

-Susan

FEEL THE JOY!

 

  My four-year-old granddaughter picked up my phone and started taking pictures of everything in my house. Then she switched to videos. I saw her filming my picture of Jesus, so I asked her, "What can you tell me about Jesus?" She paused for a moment. "Who was Jesus' mother?" I asked.

  "Mary!" she responded quickly.

  "Very good!  What else do you know about Jesus?"

  "He is kind and joyful, and He loves me very much!" my granddaughter answered.

  I smiled and said, "Yes, He does!" I really loved her answer. Jesus is kind and joyful! I have to admit, I’ve never heard her use the word joyful before, and I love that she sees Jesus this way. Often, Jesus is portrayed more seriously. In fact, Jesus wasn’t even smiling in the picture she was filming. 

  I thought about this again later that day.  I wondered if someone had asked me the same question: would 'joyful' even make my top 20?  Probably not, but honestly, it should. When Jesus told the Parable of the Lost Sheep, He revealed that there is "more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance." Jesus tells us that he will put that lost sheep on His shoulders with great joy and call His friends and neighbors to rejoice with Him!

  This week, I hope you will join me in imagining Jesus smiling and full of joy. I plan to focus more on smiling as well. And why not? I have a Savior who is kind and joyful and loves me very much. Jesus also said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." I feel very fortunate to have such a wise granddaughter who is willing to share her wisdom and faith with her grandma.

-Susan

  

Oh, His Light!

  

 My sister and I went on a girls' trip to Antelope Canyon in Arizona earlier this year. We were lucky enough to take three different tours of the canyons: one by boat and two separate hikes. The canyons were breathtaking and mesmerizing.  Depending on the sunlight filtering through, the canyons looked completely different.  You could stand in one spot and turn 360 degrees, watching the color intensity shift before your eyes. I took picture after picture trying to capture their beauty, but I fell short of doing it justice.

  Faith can be like that, too. Feeling God's love is incredible! Then God reveals a little more, and you are even more amazed. As you turn to focus on His mercy, you can't even fully grasp it! As you try to share this experience and describe God's love to someone else, your words fall short because you can't truly capture how He has touched your life and changed your heart. His beauty can't be contained in just one conversation or thousands of books. His Light transforms everything! God is the adventure of a lifetime, and we are all lucky enough to experience it!

-Susan

Listen Carefully

 

  Last week, I was shopping for a new rocking recliner. With the arrival of another beautiful grandchild, I thought it would be a good idea. I found the perfect chair until I looked at the price tag. I guess it had been a while since I bought my last rocking recliner, and needless to say, prices have increased. I remember the saleswoman telling me there were additional chairs on the other side of the store. I wondered if they would be more affordable. Disappointed, I strolled over to the other side. I told myself it would take an unexpected windfall to afford a new chair. 

  As I went to try another chair, I saw something interesting sticking out of the side of the cushion.  It was a wallet with an outside money clip filled with money! I laughed, thinking, "Wow, my wishes usually don't come true like this."  I immediately turned in the wallet, knowing the owner would soon panic over its disappearance.

  When I returned home and told my daughter the story, she laughed and said, "You know, Mom, if it wasn't for your morals, you would be sitting in a new chair."

  "I'd rather have my morals."

  "What if that was God's way of helping you?' my daughter teased.

  "I don't think that's the way God works.  But that is how someone else works, and I don't like being trapped in his lies."

  I share this story because we live in a world filled with many voices, opinions, and versions of the truth.  There is, however, one Truth.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)  Consider how valuable the Truth is.  It is the path that leads to the Father.  Avoid any shortcuts or alternate routes.  Know the voice you are listening to and stay on the path leading to Eternity.

-Susan

Walking Towards Heaven

 

  Paulina knew she had tried hard to "fight the good fight."  Was she perfect?  Of course not.  She did her best to listen to the Lord's voice when making decisions.  She could clearly hear His voice right now. He was calling her.  A small smile appeared as she took her first step.  As she slowly walked toward heaven, she fixed her eyes on the Lord.

  The path was straight and narrow, but many others were on the same path with numerous familiar faces around her. The music softly touched her ears, seeming to amplify the Lord's call at the same time. She was almost there. The glories of heaven surrounded her.  

  Paulina trembled slightly as she took her last step forward. Reverently, she bowed before the Lord, then fixed her eyes entirely on Him. This was the moment she had prepared for, and she was ready. She reached out her hands, eager to embrace Him. Then the sweetest words were spoken to her, "The Body of Christ."

  Paulina let her heart, mind, and soul speak at the same time, "Amen!"

-Susan

A Far Greater Plan

      

  Last week, I talked about my family trip to Boston. One of my favorite things about vacations is that they can provide rest and a new perspective. My oldest daughter was excited to experience the Freedom Trail in downtown Boston.  She had learned earlier in the year that her husband's great-grandfather (x 5) was buried in one of the cemeteries on the Freedom Trail. Both my daughter and son-in-law wanted to pay their respects. Later, one of my other children asked my daughter why she was so excited about it, since it wasn't her heritage. My daughter quickly responded, "I wanted to say thank you. My husband or children would not have existed if it weren't for him."

  I reflected on this conversation later.  Each of us, no matter how ordinary our lives may seem, is so important to God's plan of salvation.  Our names may not be written in the history books, but they are engraved in God's heart. Every time we respond "Yes" to God, we have the potential to change the world.  The measure of our success is not how we or the rest of the world view our lives, but how God sees them.  God's plans are far greater than we could ever imagine, and this thought gives me great hope.

  People may not know about our trials, failures, or joys in a few hundred years. Perhaps the only thing that may endure is a name etched in stone.  Yet, I would consider it an honor to have a young family approach that stone and say, "Thank you, your life made all the difference in our lives."  And I hope they thank God for all His Plans known and unknown to them in their next breath.

-Susan

You Will Be happy

 

  One of my favorite movie lines came to mind today. The main character is about to get married and asks his best man for advice on marriage. The best man responds, "You'll be happy; you just won't know it." That simple truth always makes me smile. We often overlook the small, joyful moments, wishing for a fairy tale life full of endless fun and happiness. Rather than focusing on everyday blessings, we tend to judge our lives based on our worst moments and what we lack.

  God is always working in our lives. Jesus reminds us of this during His Sermon on the Mount and His teachings on the Beatitudes. Even when life is tough, God is close to us, drawing us nearer to Him. Can we truly be happy despite our pain? Jesus tells us, "Yes." Even on our worst days, we can receive the Eucharist, and the Holy Spirit always dwells with us. Our cup isn't half full; it's overflowing with divine graces. We are blessed beyond understanding!

  This week, do yourself a favor and try to remember all the blessings in your life. Our lives are better than any fairy tale. They are filled with God's love and Divine Presence! My advice is to remember that you are blessed, even when you don't feel it. If you spend your life united to God, you will be happy, and you will know it!

-Susan

I'll Take That To Go

  

    Jack pulled up to the window and rolled down his window. “Welcome to Heavenly Treats. Can I take your order?” asked the polite voice through the speaker.

“Yes, please, I’ll take the large cup of blessings, one order of forgiveness, and a side of charity.”

“What type of forgiveness would you like?” asked the voice.

“Oh, just give me a variety. I’m sharing it with my coworkers.”

“Would you like to supersize your cup of blessings?”

“No, thank you. I’m trying to sacrifice this week.”

“OK, pull up to the first side altar window, and we’ll prepare it for you.”

 Clearly, this is not how we develop faith. We can’t demand God bless us (even though God freely offers this). Forgiveness should be given genuinely and intentionally, reflecting on our actions and the desire to rebuild our relationship with God. 
 Growing in faith requires time, commitment, patience, love, and trust. Some days are easier than others, and it involves prayer, reflection.  We need to discern God's call and then respond. We can’t just pick up some faith; we must dedicate our lives to honestly examining the truth of the gospels. We can’t just stop by church to meet our needs; we should bring the church to those in need. It will take effort, but as they say, “If you enjoy what you are doing, it doesn’t feel like work.”
 Please come by the Church this week. Ask Jesus to bless and forgive you.  Spend time with Jesus and ask Him to reveal His heart to you. Stay as long as you can, then take Jesus by the hand and share Him with the world.  It’s okay to take Jesus to go.

-Susan

Drive Safely

 

    During a recent family road trip, I took the first shift driving so my kids could sleep. A few hours later, my son volunteered to take his turn behind the wheel, and I was glad to let him. It wasn’t long before I nodded off in the backseat, but I wasn’t asleep for long.

  "Hey Mom, I think you should wake up now.”

  I opened my eyes. “What’s wrong?”

  “I think I’m going to get pulled over pretty soon. There’s a cop behind me.”

  “Were you speeding?” Of course, I already knew the answer. I breathed a heavy sigh. “How much were you going over?”

  My son, who has mastered the art of giving his mother elusive answers, replied, “Enough.”

  I quickly saw him make the sign of the cross. I was about to comment that’s not how that works, but I kept quiet. We sat silently for a few miles until we saw the cop turn off at a different exit. My son got lucky.

  As we continued to drive, I thought about my son making the sign of the cross. While our faith is not a “get out of jail free card,” I’m glad he thought to turn to God after making a mistake. Turning to God doesn’t get us out of the consequences for our actions, but God’s grace helps us navigate those consequences. Fortunately, we are never alone. God is always there to help us. We only need to open our hearts to Him and ask for His forgiveness.

  Whichever road you choose this summer, I hope it draws you closer to God. Hopefully, the sign of the cross will be the only hand gesture you turn to while driving.

-Susan