Road to Providence

Saint Therese of Lisieux
Saint May-of-the-Woods Campus

I was struck this morning as I was changing "The Quotable" how two days in a row I have been given a lesson by each of my patron saints. Even more ironic is the lesson this time on my journey to becoming a Providence Associate is on charism. By definition, "God's grace, given for the service and edification of all." Though the subject of prayer was long and took us two visits to complete, learning to look inward at one's own charism is really a daunting task. First, one has to accept that it is not being proud, but humble, when we acknowledge these gifts or talents.
ascribed to us by God. And then we must humbly accept them as our own. And so it was that yesterday's quote by Saint Therese gives me the courage to look inward, to truly find those gifts I must to share and to accept them graciously.

The only way to make rapid progress along the path of divine love is to remain very little and put all our trust in almighty God. ~~Saint Therese of Lisieux~~

Today's quote touches home, because the task of searching and knowing who I am (something God already knows) can cause me frustration and anger, for it is difficult to express who I am without realizing that, as I have journeyed these many years, I have neglected or failed to use these gifts properly or at all.

There is no sin or wrong that gives a man such a foretaste of hell in this life as anger and impatience. ~~Saint Catherine of Siena~~

Finally, defining who I am by the charisms is difficult, so I must rely totally on the Holy Spirit to guide me. The next few days leading to my visit with Sister Dorothy will be one of simple surrender to the Holy Spirit, for he will have to be my guide. I ask you all to offer prayers that this journey I take will be fruitful and rewarding. And when I come home from this journey, I will not find I am NEW, but RENEWED.

~~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God!!