Friday, April 17, 2015

Dear God,

Arriving home to a flood and much more was very upsetting, especially since grace was extended for six months to a family in need.  I was angry, tired, and dismayed.  Driving 500 miles sometimes in very heavy traffic to get home did not help.

Yesterday morning I left it all and drove to the monastery.  I sat down in a chair to the side and gazed upon the icon, a picture of St. Terese of Lisieux, one of my favorite sisters.  Within minutes I felt the presence of many Catholic sisters from Carmel, St. Benedict's and St. Joseph's.  Every time I drew in a breath I felt my breath breathing them into me.  I sat and listened and felt grace's call.  In my soul I heard your words, "When I am empty, I am full of you."  I was overwhelmed with love.  I wept with joy and sadness, both at the same time; I knew I was full of you.

I stayed and prayed, feeling the warmth of faith and then I stood to go.  I kissed my finger and touched the picture frame to say thank you.  Then I noticed a card, a beautiful card about St. Terese.  I picked it up and read it from cover to cover.  It talked about how many miracles, cures, and healings have taken place through her intercession.  Often times rose petals would come with healings.  Then I remembered, the scene so vivid in my mind.  The last two days before we made the long drive home, we visited a friend's home.  In the dining room was a striking picture of roses painted in 1898 by our friend's grandmother.  Every time we ate, I gazed upon it.  Each time I walked by it I stopped and studied it.  The light emanating from its center was so lovely, so compelling, I would just stand and stare.  I felt at peace with the picture, a kindness, a sweetness radiating from it.  Then we drove home.

As I placed the card back on the table, tears began to flow for I realized the Little Flower, St. Terese was already setting forth a healing path even before I knew what I would face when I walked into our home and was outraged.  Although there were no rose petals sprinkled about, the picture was etched in my mind and it was already beginning to heal me.

I heard your voice once more and I followed.  I lighted a candle for the family, wrote their name on the book of prayer requests, and drove home.

Faithful God,
thank you
for compassion
that comes
even before
we know
we desperately
need it.
Thank you
for grace
that heals
and helps.
Thanks for
love that
is never ending.

Forever yours, Andrea