Sometimes, life is hard. When dealing with difficult stuff, we can start to feel that no one really understands us or that we are basically all alone in our plight — whatever that might be. We might be afraid to seek help from someone.
However we might be feeling, we are never really alone. God is with us. He truly is. Plus, don’t forget that we have been gifted with a Guardian Angel who is at our side, night and day. Therefore, we should not forget to call upon him when we are feeling in need of extra help. Certainly, we should always strike up a conversation with Jesus and ask His Holy Mother to help us too.
After all, it was Jesus Himself, Whom gifted us with His own Mother when He was dying on the Cross for our salvation. She became the Mother of the Church and our Mother in that moment. Never hesitate to call upon our loving Mother whom knows our needs better than we do ourselves.
Thinking out loud
I wholeheartedly believe that God gifts all of us with so many opportunities to help others — even in the course of a day. But, we need to be attentive and also a bit courageous enough to move beyond our comfort zones. I find that even the littlest kind gesture can completely transform an otherwise challenging situation.
For example, just recently I feel I was able to help a young family by just taking a quick moment to be attentive to their plight. They were sitting in the very back pew at church and were clearly having a hard time. What was their plight? You might wonder.
Well, the church was packed for Sunday Mass and it was about to begin. I had been in the sacristy before Mass would begin, praying with our priest and those gathered who would serve at Mass. So, at that moment, I was rushing out to get to my seat before the procession before Mass would begin.
However, I couldn’t help but notice the little girl huddled close with her mother and tightly hanging onto a stuffed toy. She let out a few loud yelps! Her dad looked a little perplexed as he managed to keep the older girl calm. The shrieking continued. Mom looked a bit uncomfortable too. I decided to quickly lean in there to help even though I knew I needed to get to my seat — and in a hurry!
Small things with great love bring about peace
“Oh! Is that your kitty? Did you bring your kitty to church?”
Mom quickly chimed in, “Her tiger.”
Perhaps, Mom wanted to ensure that her little daughter wouldn’t be upset that I was completely mistaken about her little companion. The little girl stopped her sad howling and stared at me in anticipation.
What is this lady talking to me about? She might have thought. I continued to speak to her about her little stuffed tiger. She remained calm, looking at me.
An atmosphere of palpable peace descended upon them as Mass was just about to begin.
I smiled at the parents and since the Dad was closest to me on my way to head to my seat, I patted his shoulder and gave him a few words of encouragement. Mostly, I wanted both parents to know that they were very welcome at our Parish. I had not seen them in the past and I sensed that they might have felt that they stuck out as sore thumbs with their upset little one.
“Please feel welcome here. Your children are beautiful! God bless you all! I hope I see you after Mass.”
“We’re trying!” Dad said.
They seemed very happy to receive my words of welcome and encouragement and smiled at me. I think they no longer felt alone in their plight. And, you know what? I experienced a great joy and sublime peace enter my heart in that moment. The tiniest works of love are works of peace. Mother Teresa used to say, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” She also spoke about the fact that these small things bring about peace.
Many times, we are in a rush and feel we don’t have time to stop and help someone. I can tell you so many stories of amazing blessings that have unfolded when taking the time that I thought I didn’t have to help someone!
God is so good! He wants us to help our neighbors and He supplies all of the grace we need! Small things with great love!
PS Thank you to my dear friend who snapped this shot above just the other day. She allowed me to use it for this post!
