“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”
– St. Francis de Sales
Throughout the CFC Singles For Christ True North Conference in Niagara Falls, ON I was hearing so many great and beautiful things, and being reminded of several truths that I had forgotten were so dear to me. I was feeling so thankful that God was making it so easy for me to accept many of these things, especially since it wasn’t always like that.
I was receiving so much from God that I needed to ask God over and over again, “What is your main message to me? What is it that you want me to really internalize?” It took a couple of days for me to understand, but God made it so clear.
At the conclusion of one of the worships, the worship leader said, “Evaluate your heart.” Instantly my heart and mind were open. Everything made sense with this simple message: I needed to really make the effort to evaluate the state of my heart, to really know where it stands in terms of my relationship with the Lord and with others. And even with myself.
Am I really doing and being my best in the situations and circumstances that I’ve been placed in? When times get tough, do I worry first or do I cling fast to the Lord? Do I really trust Him and His plan for me, or do I just say that I do?
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Today I was hit with the news that I will no longer have a job next month because I’ve been laid off. For anyone who knows me, they know I work for the Archdiocese of Edmonton in their Communications Department, as the Marketing and Advertising Representative for the Western Catholic Reporter, which is an archdiocesan newspaper. I was signed for a one-year contract until April, but even that contract has been halted given the archbishop’s new vision and direction for the Communications Department. (Click here for more information).
I have no idea what’s to come or how I’m supposed to pay off bills and what not, but although it is a struggle for me to remain calm, I’m thankful that God keeps reminding me of His faithfulness. He is everywhere I go.
“Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.”
-St. Patrick
I’m thankful for the opportunity that I’ve been given to serve my archdiocese in this way, but moreover, I’m thankful to my God for blessing me with remarkable coworkers, who have inspired me to love and serve God more than I do now. I have met so many talented people through this job and have developed some relationships that I know will bless me beyond this point.
It is a little tricky figuring out how to move forward, but I have decided to try to rejoice in the Lord always and to trust in the Lord always, even if it means that I fail multiple times haha. God has always been so faithful to me and the least I can do is try to be faithful to Him by truly evaluating my heart each moment of the day, especially when life can seem and actually be so unpredictable. But it is in times like these that I can be happy and joyful because I get to think of God more. I have the sweet luxury of remembering His love for me.
Truly there is much to be excited for! God is everywhere I go. I am never alone. He is taking me on another adventure filled with more surprises than the last.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:4-7
Ad majorem Dei gloriam.
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I ask anyone who reads this to please keep the Archdiocese of Edmonton and all those who work in the Western Catholic Reporter in your prayers. May we all feel the presence of God during this time. May we rejoice in God’s great love for us all! Thank you. <3
