Craftily escaping the busyness of my life, I made my way into the church for Adoration. Relieved, I settled in for some quiet time with Our Lord. Hunched over in prayer, I began to unload my heart. Just as my mind slowed and my focus arrived, unexpected popping noises ripped me from my peace. My head snapped up to locate the origin of the sound. An older woman sat in the pew across the aisle from me. It seemed that as she mouthed a line of her prayer, her lips would become temporarily stuck, creating just enough suction to create a pop. Annoyed by the distraction, I closed my eyes and willed myself to return to my conversation with the Lord, only to be struck out of my prayer again. Grumbling, I bid her to stop!
Though initially distracted from my chat with the Lord by her noises, the Lord invited me to take it to prayer. Recalling that St. Therese’ had written about her own struggles with a nun who was prone to disturbing the other sisters, while in the chapel, with her tapping and repetitive sounds, I was directed to see this as an opportunity to build virtue. After setting this before the Lord, I wondered about the depth of this lady’s relationship with the Lord. She appeared to be committed to invoking the Lord through her prayerbook, which was stuffed with a stack of litanies and holy cards. However, I felt the Lord opening my eyes to the implicit value and importance of a genuine kinship and communion with Him. I began to pray that she would develop a personal and unique relationship with the Lord, feeling known and loved, which would surpass all the benefits of her pelting heaven with her battery of prayers and formulas for salvation. This devout woman may have already had an intimate relationship; however, I felt compelled to pray, no prayer being wasted.
Isn’t this depth what the Lord calls each of us to? Developing this constant conversation and relationship with Our Lord is the key to becoming who the Lord created us to be. In each moment, He invites us to turn to Him, Our Master, Our Creator, the One who is All Good. When we answer this call, the fruits are evident. Our goodness and unique design are highlighted, when we unite ourselves with Christ. Gregory Popcak, Ph.D. touches on this truth in his book Broken Gods: Hope, Healing and the Seven Longings of the Human Heart. “For Christians, goodness is not the goal in and of itself. It is the fruit of an authentic and vital relationship with Christ.” Our Lord invites us into this union in every moment of our days. This truth is made known to us in the Old Testament. “The Lord is with you when you are with him, and if you seek him he will be present to you;…” 2 Chronicles 15:2 (NAB)
Envision an elderly couple holding hands, speaking no words, just existing together on a bench, relishing each other’s presence. Looking into each other’s eyes, they move to share their dreams, hopes, desires, and the longings of their hearts. Vulnerable and open, they rest in each other with an unspoken trust. In this same manner, the Lord desires for us to lean into Him, looking to Him, in union, in all things great and small. “Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.” John 15:4 (NAB) Just as being in communion with your spouse is integral, spending time both in leisurely and in serious conversation with God about the nuances of life, is even more vital. He enjoys when we share our delights with Him, running to Him as a child bounds to his or her parents exuberantly revealing new discoveries and joys of childhood. Longing for us to sit with Him in the quiet, just being with Him, He constantly invites us into a unitive, steady relationship with Him.
Call to Act: Where is the Lord inviting you into a deeper relationship with Him? Is there an area that He asking you to be real and reveal your heart? Are there distractions pulling you from this intimacy? What prayers do you tend to lean into instead of digging deep and entering a conversation? Is He asking you to spend some time in the quiet with Him, without distraction or written word? I encourage you to acquiesce and unveil your soul. Grant Him the opportunity to underscore your uniqueness and your goodness. With His servant (you, sister!), Our Lord is well pleased. He delights in you.
St. Therese’, beg the Lord to open my mind and heart to the areas He is inviting me into a more intimate union with Him. Ask the Lord to help me to see the areas He would like me to surrender to Him. Pray that I can accept my uniqueness and embrace the loveliness of my soul. St. Therese’ of Lisieux, pray for me.
“If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.” – St. Therese’, “The Little Flower”
While in Utah hiking, the Lord revealed to me the variety of flowers present in the unique climates. The beauty of each was highlighted. Every one was created specifically for the environment it was thriving in.