Please read chapter 14 from Days of Deepening Friendship. Later this week we will provide a reflection to this chapter.
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Chapter 14: How Will You React to the Realities of Time
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“Now what do You want of me God?” has been a question I have frequently asked as I left behind people, places and things over my 68 years. Just when I thought I had an answer God found something or someone new to bring into my life. However, leaving one thing for another has not been without pain and anguish. I have experienced the Church in many phases as I have traveled this journey of life. I survived somewhat dysfunctional family, yet loved those who were part of it all. God has called me in and out of many places and situations. As a young person I joined a religious community and learned enough in my thirteen years there to have the strength to leave when I felt that God was calling me out into “the world” to live and share Him more openly. So it has gone over the years: I was called back to family, only to be with loved ones to the end of their lives. I was called to serve the Church through marriage and motherhood, only to be called back to serving the Church again as a lay catechist and DRE with my husband encouraging me every step of the way. After retirement, we had nine special months of “being” and “doing” life together.Now the greatest challenge of my life came to me in April of this year when my spouse of 33 years suddenly died. I am back to asking, “Where now, Lord?” ; this is a difficult time in life. I have survived pain and lived with joy, also, for these 68 years and expect to find the same as a new chapter in my life has come upon me. God is still calling; I will find out to what and for whom with His strength.
Helen, yours is a story of a life open to God’s opportunities. Your attitude toward change and seasons of life is a profound example to the rest of us. And, yes, even though you’re older now, I’m sure God has new things for you to do–the Divine is always looking for our hearts and minds to open and say yes! Thanks so much for sharing this–Vinita
Now, I try to make opportunities to spend time with my Mother. And in fact, I envy her because she knows how to spend her time and love it. After my father died, I was worried for her because she seemed to just live behind the shadows of my Father and that she would be so lonely after my father died but seeing her now and while spending time with her and listening to her everyday activities. I appreciate her time, even to the point that I envy her. For her, the church where she walks everyday to attend mass and meet her friends, help clean up the altar and walk or shop with a friend after mass and have coffee together and talk about their young life and kids is just deeply touching to me. when I listen to them I tell myself how precious is this moment to appreciate and keep in my heart.