We all know when we are conflicted about a situation. Or feel like we are compromising a bit of ourselves to please another person. It is important to remember that people of great integrity are the same inside and out. What you see is what you get.
True forgiveness changes who we are. It makes us more generous. How do you allow yourself to be changed and shaped by it? Can you put aside grudges and judgment, and pray for the needs of those who have hurt you? As we melt into forgiveness, our hardened hearts sing again and cry out with joy.
Recently as I’ve slowed down and am listening to the nudges of my heart, I’ve been drawn towards creativity. This has included getting some new plants for my home and with new zeal I’m trying to keep them alive.
The other day I was in the dentist’s office, getting my teeth cleaned, and a new electric toothbrush caught my eye. Not only was it guaranteed to get your teeth cleaned, it had a two minute timer that would ensure one brushed their teeth the appropriate amount of time.
One of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in my life is my vocation as a parent. I’ve been blessed beyond measure with two beautiful children and three bonus children, one of which was born twenty-eight years ago today.
Today is the day I receive my spiritual direction certification. After two intense years of study and growth, I now join the ranks of others who serve in this ministry to walk alongside others to seek and find the voice of God.
We are sent by God, the father of mercy, to distribute this treasure to those in need. The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, and comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. St. Thomas Aquinas defined mercy as “the compassion in our hearts for another person’s misery, a compassion which drives us to do what we can to help him.” Are you a missionary of mercy?
The faithful are called to the fullness of the Christian life.
We can reach this fullness of our call to holiness by pursuing the good and practicing true charity in all of our actions throughout our day, whether at work, home with our family or driving on the freeway. To be truly charitable, we must will the good of others and for Catholics, the ultimate good is God.
One day a while back I was struck by the notion of wanting to “learn love.” I’d hit a wall with my teenage daughter who was struggling with her mental health and the love I was giving her wasn’t enough. The pain of this situation drew me towards my own transformation. And what a gift it was.