No One Ever Said It Would Be Easy
“Hard is trying to rebuild yourself, piece by piece, with no instruction book, and no clue as to where all the important bits are supposed to go.” ~ Nick Hornby, A Long Way Down
Yesterday, we considered resolutions that matter most. Any resolution that we make generally involves rebuilding ourselves. By thought, word, and/or deed, we struggle to become a different person, a better person. Hornby reminds us that this rebuilding comes with no instruction book. That would make it so much easier if it did.
Today is the first day of a new year. As we celebrate today, we do so under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. She is one person, I am sure, who wished that there would have been an instruction book! An angel asked her to be the Mother of God’s Son. What do you do after you say yes? An angel told her husband, Joseph, to take Mary and the baby and flee to Egypt because Herod wanted the child dead. They would be told later when it was safe to return. Instructions, please.
Mary didn’t have it easy. Neither do we. When God calls us, He asks us to place our faith and trust in Him. It would be much easier if we had an instruction book but we don’t. I know that I would have appreciated a book that would have steered me through all my years as a priest. We do have a book. It’s not an instruction book but the Bible tells us about all the others who acted on God’s invitation without an instruction book as well.
They did it. So can we. A Happy and Blessed New Year to you and yours!
FAITH ACTION: Start this year with faith and trust in God. He will show what you need when you need it.