My wife and I have way more blessings than we deserve. The blessings come in many forms, like a lasting marriage, agreement on the Faith, and a similar outlook on the world. We even had both of our children (both girls) get married off in Catholic weddings, which warmed the hearts of the faithful in our “orbit.” And this leads to our best blessings yet—both girls are expecting daughters shortly. The local child has a girl due in a few weeks (aka Any Day Now) and the other is due in August. Baby shower number 1 is complete, with number 2 in a few weeks. This personal information links in with the Gospel reading of today. (Note that I review these reflections all year long, and almost every week, a writer comments to me about how the readings matched right up to their life of that day.)
Overwhelming Joy
The Gospel talks about how the joy of a pending child overwhelms the pain and anguish of the birthing process. Morning Sickness, sore muscles and joints, too little or too much sleep, and adjustments to bathroom routines. Many couples are blessed with multiple children, so it is obvious that there is a set of pains and discomforts that can be overcome. And we pray for couples struggling to conceive, as well.
Those of us with health challenges also have ‘weeping and mourning” to contend with. Folks ask me all the time, “how does one prepare for that end, and what helps you deal with it?”
Reward
A friend and fellow writer shared a quote from St. Claude de La Colombiere, who was a French Jesuit. The gist of his quote was that God has you going through rounds of suffering, but isn’t the final reward of eternal happiness worth the anguish? Jesus suffered greatly for us; just look at the crucifix in church. Have Faith in Jesus and the Saints, for greatness awaits when He is ready for us. As Nicole Buchholz wrote on Day 24, having everlasting life is a good outcome to get. A Hard Yes was her outlook.
Keep your eye on the prize.
Dear Paul,
Thank you for sharing your story of blessing and “sorrow” with us. I pray that you stay strong celebrating your blessings of a great wife and children and your own life too. The mourning aspect is also part of your life now and you are dealing well with it. I support you with my prayers. One more anchor is that in God’s will is our delight. Let his will be done. Stay blessed.
Sr. Olisaemeka.
Dear Paul,
Thank you for the sharing your story of blessings and mourning with us. Both are aspects of our life. I pray that you continue doing well celebrating and your blessings (of great family) managing the health challenges the best way possible. In God’s will is our peace. Let God’s will be done.
Kind regards.
Sr. Olisaemeka.