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All My Life
My spiritual journey has basically taken all
of my life to get to the point where I am now. As far as my actual
schooling is concerned, this is the third time going through “catechism.” I
have had many road blocks placed in my path, either from the devil or from
God telling me “You’re not ready, it’s not time yet.” Hind sight is always
20/20 but I “see” the reasons for not being able to finish RCIA thus far.
And now I’m almost finished and the taste of finishing is almost bitter
sweet (more sweet than bitter, I might add.) This is because I’m going to
miss everyone and the classes but I’m ecstatic that F-I-N-A-L-L-Y I’m almost
to the finish line! Won’t count my blessings just yet though. As they say,
good things come to those who wait. In actuality, my journey will be just
beginning. As I finish RCIA, being a good Christian is a life long
procedure. It’s all about trial and error; falling, picking yourself up and
brushing your shoulder off, then falling again until finally you conquer the
sin(s) that make you fall. Life is about striving to be better than you are
now and doing good to and for others. It’s about action, not just talk.
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” It’s not an easy road, in
fact it can be very difficult. The Lord promised no one a rose garden but,
we are all called to be Christian and to try to be “Christ Like” as we
strive and suffer now. Our reward will be great in Heaven and that’s what
it is all about.
My grandmother the late Virginia Humphrey,
was my world and the reason for my effort to become Catholic. It is because
of her love and compassion that I have such love for God, the Blessed
Mother, the Saints (even thought I’m definitely not a saint) and my fellow
human beings. I guess I chose a good career when I chose to become a
nurse. She instilled in me what it is to be a “good person.” She was a
secular Franciscan of the Third Order and followed the lifestyle of Saint
Francis. She was always helping others and giving to the Church and the
poor while neglecting her own needs. She pray her office many times
throughout the day as long as I can remember. She is and always be my hero
and who I aspire to be like. I know she is a saint now. It was because of
her and her teachings to me of the faith that I have tried to get closer to
God and trust and rely on Him for everything and do for others. Her
teachings on God and Jesus are what have gotten me through all of the
horrible things that have occurred in my life. She was the most precious
gift God gave me, second to his Son, Jesus. The saying is true, “you don’t
know what you have until it is gone.” Make sure you always tell your loved
one that you love them and hold them tight at least once every day. Try to
do and be good to the people you come in contact with. Always rethink that
bad thought just before you open your mouth and speak. Always pray for
those less fortunate than you and thank God for what he has given you. If
you always remember to put the other person’s needs in front of your own,
you will not have conflict. Rely on God and always trust in Him. “Blessed
are those who believe without seeing.” Pray for your enemies and for those
who you are mad and don’t know it. You only end up hurting yourself.
Jules Lee Hoganson |
