A Bookmark

Today is the feast day of St. Teresa of Avila. I wanted to share something of her that I learned this morning. She is known as one of the Doctor's of the Church, and wrote this on her bookmark that she carried with her all the time. She looked at it in times of pain and sorrow, but also in times of joy and thanksgiving. It was a reminder to her of God's presence always.

"Let nothing disturb you,

Let nothing frighten you,

All things are passing; 

God only is changeless.

Patience gains all things.

Who has God wants nothing.

God alone suffices."

St. Teresa had many hardships throughout her life. And even at one time, said to Jesus, "If that's how you treat your friends, no wonder you have so few!"  But than later wrote, "However many years life might last, no one could ever wish for a better friend than God."

Her simple prayer she wrote, can relate to each one of our lives too. The first two lines --- don't let things scare you, trust in God. Trust in His ways. He is with us always. "All things are passing" --- All things, good and bad, never last forever. So meaning, even our worst hardships, will get better. It's so hard at the time to believe that because we are in so much pain, but we have to have faith that God is there helping us get through it. And the good moments... we are called to share those blessings, those joys, with others around us. Share God's grace and goodness with others around us. Not keeping them for ourselves.  Sharing the water of grace! "God only is changeless" --- His word, His love, His grace, His mercy is the only constant thing in our lives. I think that is why I like to go to Mass so often, or just sit in His presence, His words... because I know that He will always be there. He is there to listen to me tell Him thank you, or listen to me cry and share my sadness, frustrations with Him. He is always there, wanting us to let Him Love us, no matter what we are facing.  "Patience gains all things" --- It helps us get through all trials of our lives. It helps us gain God's grace. The patience we share with others and in situations, is a beautiful reflection of the love we have in our heart!  The last two lines --- Reminds us that God is all we need. A reminder that we need to keep Him front and center in our lives, in all we do, in all we meet. God alone is enough.