January 17: Be Yourself
Often we want to be somewhere other than where we are, or even to be someone other than who we are. We tend to compare ourselves constantly with others and wonder why we are not as rich, as intelligent, as simple, as generous, or as saintly as they are. Such comparisons make us feel guilty, ashamed, or jealous. It is very important to realize that our vocation is hidden in where we are and who we are. We are unique human beings, each with a call to realize in life what nobody else can, and to realize it in the concrete context of the here and now.
We will never find our vocations by trying to figure out whether we are better or worse than others. We are good enough to do what we are called to do. Be yourself!
Or, according to our beloved Saint Therese, (in response to her sister Celine when Celine claimed that Therese's responsibility for the novices gave her more worth)
"I'm really only what God thinks of me. As for loving me more because He has given me charge of souls... I do not share your opinion. I think He has made me rather your servant. It is for you and not for myself that He has bestowed these virtues which make me pleasing in your eyes."
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2 comments:
I read that passage from Henri Nouwen several years ago and it is still one of my favorites...a great message to live by! Hope you are still having a great day! Love, Katie
Nicole--
This quote helps me! Thanks for posting it. It's such a temptation to always want to compare or think that the grass may be greener. I sometimes struggle with this as I'm at home with my children instead of doing...I don't know! Anyway, thanks for the reminder!
I'll be praying for you while you are at the March. Not at all ironic that it's coming on the heels of the inauguration!
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