This Summer has been one of those Summer’s that you just have to live it to actually believe it! I find myself here reflecting on all these things while on my annual reflection retreat overlooking the Saline River Valley on a remote dairy farm. This Summer definitely takes the “Cake” on being one of the most transformative and meaningful Summer’s of my life. Did it all go according to plan…well no…but it was in direct accordance with God’s plan and I fully trust that! Was it always easy…well no…but God was with me each step of the journey and this I know in full confidence!
We don’t get to choose the timing of the challenges and opportunities the Lord provides, but we must fully accept that though the timing seems off for us; it is perfectly timed in the Lord’s plan and will for our lives. Here is just a taste of the lessons the Lord has been teaching me:
- Who or What is the Lord of My Life?
If I had any remaining doubt in my mind that I had not fully surrendered my life to the Lord; I can in full confidence declare that all idols that had previously ruled my life have been toppled in spectacular fashion. I am at complete peace and contentment with the plans the Lord has for me. My previous idol of desiring children? I am content with whatever blessings the Lord has for me. My previous idol of desiring a wife who would be my partner for life? As the Lord wills and I am joyous in my current single state and know fully in my heart I do not need anyone to fulfill me because I am only fulfilled in the Lord.
Now, is it wrong for me too long for such good things? Absolutely not, but they must be placed in the proper order in my submission to the Lord. This Summer solidified that these desires are not only in the proper arrangement in my spirit and life, but I know that if the Lord chooses to bless me I will be a better husband and father because I will not be placing unrealistic expectations on those I love to fill any aching in my heart…because that ache can only be fully completed and filled by the Lord; then I can focus on pouring out the abundance of graces on my future wife and children.
- Will I Walk in Faith?
This Summer was the crescendo of God’s plan he had set in motion almost a year ago. While on my first trip back to Pennsylvania last Summer to see family in almost 21 years, I had attended Catholic Mass with my Aunt. Thirteen years previously I had walked away from the Catholic faith and swore I would never return. There were a multitude of reasons why I originally left the Catholic faith; it had felt fake, I felt I was being discouraged on reading scripture, I was intrigued by the Protestant faith and belief system, and I didn’t feel Jesus was the center of worship, but the focus was on antiquated legalism and tradition.
Yet, that reintroduction to the Mass broke some ground; then coupling that with conversations in the winter of 22/23 with both my mother and brother where I just listened rather than argued continued to plant the seed. Fast forward to a wedding I helped with for two close friends this past April! An old acquaintance who was at the wedding gave me a piece of cake that stirred a close friendship; when I spoke to her about the case of our piece of cake; she shared that she had felt directed by the Lord to give me the piece of cake and prayed that it would lead me to reach out to her after the wedding.
All these things happened; yet what is even more incredible is that little piece of cake was the single biggest catalyst to connecting me with others in the Traditional Catholic Faith that provided confirmation after confirmation that the Lord had prepared this journey for my return to the Catholic Church. Then, taking time in reflecting on my whole journey as a Protestant it became clear that the Lord had been equipping me in that time for this return to the faith of my youth in more ways than I will ever appreciate. Returning to the Catholic Church was a complete step in faith and again much like going from being an Ag Teacher to suddenly a Principal of a High School was nowhere in my “original” plans. Yet, through all this I have been able to lead my family (Mother, Brothers and Sister); back closer in their relationship with our Lord.
- Where Do I Draw My Strength?
The final lesson that God has been teaching me, is when there is confusion in my life or uncertainty; where is it that I draw my strength? Do I try to manage it all myself or am I throwing myself to the feet of my protector, my savior for help and guidance? Last week’s homily addressed this exact idea that I had been grappling with especially these last few weeks. It spoke about the need for us to fully accept a Spirit of Adoption as Sons and Daughters with our Lord Jesus Christ; that spirit of adoption allows us to call out for help and recognize we cannot live in this world and face the challenges of this life alone.
This Summer I have been directed again and again to Romans 12. The entire chapter is dedicated to this need for us to present ourselves as Living Sacrifices to our Lord. Being a Living Sacrifice is recognizing that our lives are not our lives; our decisions can no longer be based on our present desires, but on the desires of our Lord and Savior. This transformation of thought and perspective allows us to accept the gift of peace and grace from our Lord as a Living Sacrifice and Adopted Sons and Daughters of our Lord. Does this mean that difficult times disappear? Does this mean that the easy path of life suddenly appears? Far from it in many cases (YET) all of a sudden those difficulties and challenges become bearable and we can face them with a peace and assurance that can only be claimed from a devoted life to Christ.
The Lord says in such a simple way; “Life will truly be ‘A Piece of Cake’ if you allow me into your life and if you will allow me to direct your life.” We do not need to navigate this life alone; we have been blessed with a Lord who loves us beyond measure and desires to walk with us through this life and eternally in the next.
Thank you dear friends for reading and enjoying this reflection, I pray it offers encouragement to keep leaning in and learning from our Lord in our daily walks! Please enjoy what remains of this blessed Summer!!
Perennial Educator 