Choose The Word

 

The other day, I had a song stuck in my head.  It certainly wasn't one of my favorite songs.  It was just one of those songs I had heard repeatedly on the radio.  I have no idea why this song came to mind. I couldn't get it out of my thoughts.  It was so annoying. But I can say the exact opposite has occurred as well.  In moments of pain, loss, fear, or frustration, words of scripture or songs from Mass have come to mind, bringing me comfort and hope.  The words we choose to listen to matter. 

 These days, it is more common to memorize memes or TikToks than it is to memorize scripture.  But I've found that memorizing scripture has helped me hear God's voice amidst all the noise. It's not about memorization but about internalizing the words and letting them guide your thoughts and actions. The more familiar I become with scripture, the easier it is for me to hear God.  Like an old friend, God can place an image, a verse, or a story in my mind when I am searching for answers or consolations.  These moments of truth speak volumes.  In just a few minutes, my dear friend reminds me of His unfailing love; sometimes, His thoughts help me grow beyond my pain.

 God has been speaking to us for thousands of years.  Open His Book, open your ears, and let Him breathe Life into your thoughts.  Both your mind and your soul will thank you for it!

-Susan

  

 

  

Rest With Me

 

    I was home most of the day with my cute little dog. He generally likes to follow me around, so I made a point of just sitting next to him. I brought my laptop and reading materials next to his favorite spot by the window.  Unfortunately, he kept running to the treat cupboard in the kitchen, begging for another treat. Exasperated, I looked at him and said, "Honey, I can't just give you treats all day.  Isn't it enough just to be with me?" Suddenly, I was struck with a thought.  I wondered if God has ever felt that way with me?

  I spend plenty of time praying, and I know there is nothing wrong with asking God to bless and strengthen me.  I am confident He wants me to pray for those He has put in my life.  But is it possible that some days my prayer life is too busy? Do I spend enough time just being near Him?

  This week, I'm going to rest my thoughts. I will match the sound of my breathing to His. I will close my eyes to this world so that I may see Him looking at me. I will hold His hand and whisper, "Lord, You know what is in my heart. Let me rest with You while You show me what's in Your heart."

  What a treat this time will be for me.

-Susan

Are You Coming?

 

  Danny was sitting on his couch in front of the TV when his phone rang.  "Danny, what are you doing?" asked Pete.

 "Nothing much,"' Danny replied.

 "Hey, I'm watching these races at the stadium. You have to come to check it out."

 Danny looked at his watch as if he had somewhere to be, but he knew he had no plans. "Hmmm, I guess I could meet you there."

 "Great!" Pete replied. "Text me when you get here.  I"'ll meet you at the front gate."  Thirty minutes later, Pete ushered his old friend inside the stadium.  "I've got great seats."

 Danny looked down on the track.  Danny saw the runners lining up, but it made no sense. No one looked athletic.  "What kind of a race is this? Is that toddler seriously going to race against those adults?  How old is that woman on the end?"

 "Just watch, trust me, you will love this," Pete answered.  Without any fanfare, the people began moving forward.

 Danny was perplexed.  "Pete, what are they doing.  I only see one person moving fast.  That teenager was in the lead, and now he's just standing there.  I think he even took a few steps backward. That bald guy is moving sideways, and that other woman barely moves. How is this a race?"

 Pete started laughing.  "Isn't this great?  I come here every week just to cheer people on."

 Danny noticed the fast guy was close to lapping everyone.  "So how many times do they go around?  Obviously, that guy is going to win."

 "Oh, I think they are all going to win.  It's not about crossing the finish line first. It's just about finishing the race."  Pete looked down at the racers and screamed, "Come on, keep going. You can do this!"

 "What are they even trying to do?" Danny asked.

 Pete smiled at his good friend.  "Danny, they are each trying to obtain holiness.  Their paths all look different, and sometimes obstacles come out of nowhere.  It's amazing to see how they handle them.  It's really inspiring.  In fact, that's why I invited you down here today.  I'm tired of being a spectator.  I want to enter the race. I want us to enter the race.  I think we could do it!"

 "What? I don't know how to be holy."

 "We could learn together.  There are a lot of good coaches and trainers down there.  You study the playbook, and then you run your own race. We could figure this out together.  What do you say?"  Pete stood up and started walking toward the field.  "Are you coming?"

 Danny's head was spinning.  "You really think I could become holy?'

 Pete modded. "I do."

 Danny had never thought much about becoming holy before, but now that Pete suggested it, he wondered if it was possible.  "People are going to help me?"

 "Yep.  But not just people.  The Holy Spirit is the main coach.  Once you say "Yes," The Holy Spirit knows how to inspire you.  You just have to train yourself to hear His voice and rely on His knowledge."

 "What if I fail?" Danny asked.

 "What if you don't?" Pete replied.  "We've got everything to gain.  Are you coming?"

 Danny took one uneasy step forward and said, "Ya, I'm coming!"

-Susan