Friday, September 30, 2011

St. Therese

Tomorrow is the feast day of St. Therese.

Of course, her most famous work, Story of a Soul, is a remarkable book and one that if you haven't read yet, you really must.

Another favorite of mine is a book written in the form of a mini retreat about her spirituality: 'I believe in Love' by Jean C. J. d'Elbee.  A beautiful read.

Last but not least, 'The Love That Keeps Us Sane' by Marc Foley.  This book will quickly become a favorite.  It is small and easy to take with you.  Mine has come with me to many places.  Here is a little taste of the wisdom that is to be found in this little gem:

"Finally, minding one's own business helps preserve our sanity because it eliminates the envy and resentment that come from comparing our lot in life with others.
Celine once noticed that God was asking her "to renounce some legitimate pleasures which other sisters could enjoy in peace." She resented this. Why is God asking me to do this thing and not others? It's not fair! She told Therese of her complaint. Therese responded:
'As for me, I do not concern myself with what God might be asking of others; nor do I assume that I store up greater merit when I'm obliged to sacrifice more than other souls in his service. Whatever He asks of me always makes me happy.'" (pg. 50)

How hard this is for me.  It is so easy to compare our lot in life with that of others, yet, this is not the Little Way.  The Little Way is humble and steady and utterly simple.  Basically it is everything I am not.  Just last night I struggled with comparing my lot in life to an engaged couple we know.  I remembered how naive I was to think my husband and I would become pregnant soon after we married.  Perhaps the engaged couple we know feels the same way.  And what if they are right?  What if they do become pregnant right away?  How happy they will be!  These thoughts quickly led to a desire to pity myself for a while.  It wouldn't be fair if they can easily become pregnant.  It isn't fair that we have to wait.  They should have to wait, too.  And on and on I go.

Obviously, I have a lot to learn from St. Therese.  This little book is a gold mine of insight and wisdom.  "Whatever He asks of me always makes me happy."  Just a minute ago, my computer froze.  I laughed as I thought I will lose this post I'm working on.  And that this ought to make me happy if it's what He asks of me, right?  Whatever He asks.  When I really think about that, and if I were to be able to really apply that principle to my life, I imagine I would be so peaceful and free.  I would ride the waves of life, full of uncertainty and change with such ease and grace.  To trust with such surrender and simplicity.  How beautiful that is!

St. Therese, thank you for showing us your little, simple way to holiness.  This way kept you sane.  Teach us to not concern ourselves with what God may be asking of others.  Help us to keep our eyes fixed on Him, for our happiness lies in doing His will.  St. Therese, pray for us.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Welcome

Welcome to my blog!  I have been reading blogs on infertility for a while now and really want to be part of the community and prayerful support that I have seen.  My husband and I have been trying to conceive for over a year and we recently made an initial consultation with a NaPro doctor in our area.  I'm looking forward to it.  The reviews on this doctor are amazing and I am so ready for some HOPE in this area of my life.  I also want clarity.  And relief from painful periods would be amazing.  Thank you God for leading me!