My Cross, My Life and Wisdom

I’m sad, but extremely happy, when I think of the bad times God pulled me through. The more I suffer, the wiser I become. God gave me the gift of Wisdom at my baptism when I was only a few weeks old. Pope Francis tells us that Wisdom is seeing through the eyes of God. If I could see through the eyes of God in every situation, this would be an amazing blessing, but what a challenge. Would I be able to understand and see good in my heartaches and suffering?

The gift of Wisdom is one of seven gifts the Holy Spirit gives us at our baptism. I waited so long to open and use these glorious gifts God gave me. These gifts don’t come with a manual or a user’s guide, but they come with something tremendously better. We have the Holy Spirit to help us, to guide us, to prompt us in the proper use of these seven gifts. All we need do is sincerely ask the Holy Spirit for help and, with God’s grace, we can properly learn to use these sacred gifts.

God pulled me through the bad times and made me wise by letting me see that my upside down life wasn’t upside down after all. This is the life God has given to me, so I willingly accept it. This is the life I desire because God gave it to me. I accept the life God gave me for better or worse, sickness and health as in marriage vows because I’m to be with God for life. I’m so in love with God.

I’m happy with the life God gave me. I’m not wealthy but I’m rich in God’s gifts. I’m able to share the gifts God gives me with others. I couldn’t see it, but I understand now that every challenge God placed in my path has been for my benefit. There are no obstacles in my path to heaven, unless I choose to take what God gives me and turn it into an obstacle. And though I can’t say I’m completely where I need be in doing God’s will and trusting in Providence, this is my life goal.

And when I fall apart, my youngest son encourages me with words such as, “you’re a strong person Mom! Be Strong.” I’m comforted and amazed at the strength of this adult child of mine, given to me by God, who has suffered so much more than I.

I don’t know what the future holds for me. For though I’m doing well now, I imagine there’s more misery and suffering to come. I pray that I will be able to embrace whatever God gives me with love and gratitude.

Can we picture ourselves on the Cross in place of Jesus? This is how strong we need to be. This is what we must be willing to accept for love of God. We cannot do this on our own. We can find courage to accept whatever suffering God gives up by continuing to grow more and more in love with Christ who died for us.

May we never forget how blessed we are. May we never turn our eyes away from heaven. May we always find comfort in the Real Presence of Our God.

"It is this that the angels sang at the birth of our savior: 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of goodwill.' Who are these men of good will but those whose wills are in harmony with the supremely goodwill of God. And this turning over our wills to God is what heaven is about.” Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence by Reverend Jean Baptiste - St. Jure, S.J. and St. Claude de la Columbiere, S.J.