Learning Christ

The glider recognizes me this morning. I’ve spent a lot of time in it over these last weeks.

I pull it out to the middle of the room so I can see out over the bay.

I pick up this book and page through it, pause to savor words.

And my heart stops on this prayer.

Learning Christ

Teach me, my Lord, to be kind and gentle in all the
events of life–
in disappointments,
in the thoughtlessness of others,
in the insincerity of those I trusted,
in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied.

Let me put myself aside
to think of the happiness of others,
to hide my little pains and heartaches,
so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.

Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across
my path.

Let me so use it that it may mellow me
not harden nor embitter me;
that it may make me patient, not irritable,
that it may make be broad in my forgiveness,
not narrow, haughty and overbearing.

As I go my round from one distraction to another,
let me often whisper a word of love to Thee. May
my life be lived in the supernatural, full of power for
good, and strong in the purpose of sanctity.

~Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R., in Tears of God, Persevering in the Face of Great Sorrow or Catastrophe, pp. 90-91.

Amen,

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
~Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

Photos of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Petoskey, Michigan