Anniversary

Today is the anniversary of the day I made my first vows as a Sister of Divine Providence and also of the day I made my final vows five years after that. So I am thankful today for all God's faithfulness to me and to our congregation. We are fewer in number than we were when I made my vows and we are older. But somehow the witness of our lives seems stronger today than when we were many.

Today in his homily our chaplain mentioned that he had been at the dinner in which grants from the diocesan appeal are given to those who work with the poorest people in our diocese. Two of our sisters received grants. It made me feel very grateful to God that we reach out today to the poor in even more profound ways than in the past. We did, of course, always teach in some of the poorest areas of the diocese. Now we are present as pastoral ministers and social workers among the poor.

Pray that God will continue to give us the grace and courage to reach out to those who need our assistance in order to know that God provides for them with tender love.

Vocation
I've been thinking a lot about discernment. What does it really mean to be a disciple? The readings have been talking about work--that we must. But also about how the work we do and how we look as a result--zealous or pius or successful--are not what counts, but what is on the inside. Discipleship seems simple on the one hand--just keep your eyes on Christ and bring your heart in accord with his (well, simple but not easy). On the other hand it seems complicated--making dicisions that are counter to values that are all around us.

What helps do I need to be a disciple? What life choices will facilitate my being a disciple? With whom do I need to associate myself?

What are you doing about discernment?

A Good Day
It has been a very good day--nice cool weather, students who remembered what we went over in the last class, a long lunch with other faculty members. It seems so small but I know that God is providing me some comfort after a couple difficult days. So I am grateful and longing for a deeper connection with a God who is tender and caring.

Recalling...

Yesterday we had a high school class reunion. I found it exhilarating to be with these women. In some ways I think high school may be wasted on teenagers. I remember hanging out with just a few of the women (girls then) and being too shy to interact with those who were not very much like me. Now I see what wonderful people they are and wonder why I was afraid to form bonds will more of them when I was a teenager. Why didn't I see the marvel of God's love in each of them and appreciate their goodness and what they had to offer the world?

Maybe this growing to see the wonder of all the people in my life is part of the wisdom promised as we age. I hope so. I hope I grow in wisdom today and tomorrow and everyday.