What God Has Done For Me

WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR ME

Eileen Renders

My journey of faith, which began with sincerity and ensuring each new day included time spent in devotion or in work that is serving God, was initiated as my primary purpose in life approximately 45 years ago. Coming to terms with who I was, and who I longed to become, entailed much reflection. 

Making progress was the result, but not, however, in huge strides. Initially, it required a sincere heart and determination to commit the tie each day to prayer and meditation. Commitment often requires that we “sign up”, are relied on to keep our promise. Although I worked, my position and hours had some flexibility, which allowed me to become an “Adorer” on each Wednesday as the monstrance was available on the altar.

Also, I enlisted to teach CCD for Second Grade students in preparing for two sacraments, Reconciliation and their First Holy Communion. Remaining diligent to the Ten Commandments and frequenting the sacraments was a first priority. There were days when the house was quiet, the children were grown, and living in their own home and marriages, and I came to enjoy alone time in meditation, often doing a rosary.

This I share only to say how my faith in Christ increased, and I felt my relationship with Jesus grow and strengthen. Although my path was initiated out of love for God and a fear of Hell, I had no other expectations. As the years passed, however, His graces and blessings could not be dismissed. You can never be outdone by God in what you do for Him.

As my faith grew, and my relationship with Christ deepened, my wisdom and understanding also grew. I, without training, became a writer and an artist. I have lived a long life, and have excellent health. Yes, we all have Crosses to bear, but I have the strength and courage through Him. More importantly, I prayed to God to overcome a fear of death, the unknown, and He removed it with a renewed sense of trust.

This I share with you: Fear is the opposite of trust. In First grade, as we studied in preparation for receiving our First Holy Communion, over and over, I recited what the nuns taught us when they asked, “Why did God make us?” The answer was, and still is, “God made us to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world so that one day we would be happy with Him in heaven.”