Determined to head into the day with a positive attitude and a willingness to take each moment as it was given I prayed through the foul mood that threatened to destroy this goal. Work out done, shower taken, and after a short moment of ‘quiet time’ I looked at my ‘list of things to do’ for the day. It seemed reasonable though I wished for more time to WRITE but it didn’t seem plausible. I reminded myself of my goal – take each moment as it is given. What will happen today?
I went to Mass and forgot that it was May Crowning with all of the 2nd graders that had made their First Communion processing into the church. There is something to be said about the effect of celebrating a Mass that also honors Mary. For the first time in a while I was overcome with emotion literally feeling my spirit surge inside throughout the entire Mass. On my knees in prayer after receiving the Eucharist I had my eyes closed and heard Fr. Borski ask us to stand. That is when I saw the monstrance (this holds the Eucharist for exposition which is when Catholics spend time in adoration). I didn’t realize we were going to have the exposition of the Eucharist and adoration that morning! Tears came to my eyes. What a gift to spend so much time with God.
Fr. Borski processed with the monstrance outside and into the chapel of our old church. It had been so long since we have used the old chapel since we have built the new church. I missed having adoration in this chapel and as I entered the memories of so many crazy encounters (literally unbelievable God moments) came flooding back and I was overcome by emotion again. I knelt in prayer and realized that as I prayed for friends who are fighting cancer, my husband who is fighting MS, friends who are battling depression and eating disorders and the list goes on and on with the people I pray for who I’ve met in just the past few weeks…I was never praying for my new ministry. The revelation came to me almost as if someone whispered in my ear, “Don’t forget to pray for Hopeful Hearts Ministry.” And I realized I’ve asked so many others to pray for this new mission I’m on but I’ve not felt as if I had a ‘right’ to pray for it myself. I know, that sounds insane and I can’t quite explain what I mean but it is like I am self-serving if I pray for it. I don’t really feel this way but I think this feeling has kept me from praying for it’s growth, success, etc. So I went to the tiny altar in the chapel and laid out my hands as if I was giving up this ministry to Christ. “Take it and make it yours. I’m here to do whatever You want. And if it falters that is okay too. Whatever your will.”
I left adoration feeling as if I could float up to heaven and hang out for awhile. Instead I had to remain in reality and run errands. 🙂 But out of nowhere I got a call from a young man that recently graduated college who had been in my youth group back in the day. He wanted to meet for lunch before he started his new job in Colorado. Even though I had a ton of other ‘to do’s’ I took the moment and jumped at the chance to catch up. Before meeting him I made sure to stop in and see my youngest in a band concert at the school. The smile that was on his face when I appeared was like receiving an award. It wasn’t an official concert and there were only 3 of us mom’s there but I was so happy I decided to go!
Lunch with the young man was so good and to have an ‘adult’ conversation with him about what his plans were, his faith and so many topics in regards with our faith it was just amazing. He even validated a few things I needed to hear in regards to this ministry. After our lunch I had to run some books over to my friend’s shop and there I met two women who were vendors. They saw the book and asked me about it. Low and behold BOTH of them were involved in different ministries dealing with women and abuse. One works with a women’s shelter here in Houston and the other lives in Vermont and works with a non-profit that helps to rescue women involved in human trafficking. That has been one of my MAIN GOALS is to find connections in BOTH of these ministries to work with these women in their healing process.
GOD IS SO GOOD!! Numbers were exchanged and hopefully, God willing, we will be connected to help one another help these young women become who HE has created them to be and to live as survivors!
It has been one crazy day and even with all of the off the ‘list’ detours I still managed to get my list done! (Except for the writing)… but I do trust God makes that time happen for me as well when He is ready for me to get it DONE. 😉
God showed up for me in such a HUGE way today. Thank you for allowing me to share. I pray you are encouraged to open your day up to Him and see where He takes you!
Blessings
Shannon