On January 1, 2011 (1-1-11) I declared on the first page of my new journal that this would be the ‘Year of Grace’. In proclaiming this as truth for myself I realized that the grace I was seeking might not come in a pretty little package with an enticing bow on top. In fact, I expect quite the opposite. I’m used to receiving the ugly brown bag with grease stains and on the inside is just a bite, just enough to taste, of the best hamburger ever (the kind that won’t add a pound to your behind 😉 ). Life isn’t always a new struggle to overcome (though as you have stuck with me over the years I do have many) I have received many a blessings along the way but I have to open that nasty paper bag to receive them.
Over the past few days I have been receiving graces given to me in pretty little packages with beautiful bows, the kind of gifts that were professionaly wrapped in paper that looked like it was made of shiny satin and were always stacked neatly under someone else’s Christmas tree. I would babysit for well to do lawyers and doctors when I was a teen and if it was Christmas time I’d stare at these gifts in awe and wonder. My mother was more on the frugal side (which in hindsight I don’t blame her and THANK HER for giving me the same eye for thrift) and used whatever was on hand, even the comics! Now I’m 37 years old and though the gifts aren’t tangible, something to hold and marvel over, I feel as if I’ve received each day in it’s own shiny package.
Today I received an email forwarded from a friend that had sent out directions to ‘vote’ for EXPOSED in an effort to spread awareness for abuse survivors and the Maria Goretti Network. She sent it out to her entire address list and received a response that still has me mystified. The woman is a few states away (up North of Texas) and in reading about EXPOSED and the mission to get the Maria Goretti Network in every parish across the country (if possible) she knew she had something to give me. She and her husband were given the gift of a 1st class relic of Maria Goretti from a priest for their wedding anniversary. They realize it needs to be in a place to be used for public veneration and she wants to give it to me. She has the certificate ensuring authenticity framed! Even as I type this I’m still in shock.
I’m in awe and wonder of this gift. 🙂 And I’m nervous. Should I have it? What do I do? That’s a great responsibilty and talk about not feeling worthy!
In many ways this is St. Maria Goretti giving me a sign of thanks. *sigh* I truly can’t hold the emotion.
It does not matter what ‘place’ I’m in the polls. I’ve won already. All day I hear my spiritual advisor “IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU, IT’S ABOUT HOW GOD WANTS TO HAVE HIS MESSAGE DELIVERED.” AMEN and THANK YOU GOD that it’s not about me! 🙂
Who knew I’d find more comfort in receiving a greasy brown paper bag? I praise God for it all!!
Blessings
Shannon