Our Lady of Mount Carmel
“I drew him out of the water.” (Exodus 2:10)
From the day that Pharaoh’s wife drew him out of the water, Moses led a dramatic life. We may remember him for the ten plagues, the ten commandments and the trip across the Red Sea, but God was at work in Moses’ life from the day he was born, training him for the future God had in store for him. This wasn’t your typical formal school training but the training ground of life itself. Born to a Hebrew woman but raised in Pharaoh’s house, Moses was perfectly situated to confront Pharaoh as an equal and lead the Israelites to freedom.
But Moses isn’t the only one who God prepared for extraordinary work. Think of Ambrose, a well-off politician who, when converted, used his debating skills to defend the divinity of Christ and influence a young St. Augustine. Or think of Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. He was an eager soldier always ready for a fight—until he was wounded in battle. As he lay in bed recovering, he found the Lord. After his conversion, he dedicated his life to teaching people how to fight the spiritual battle.
But it’s not just the heroes and heroines of the faith. God has been training you as well! Looking back, can you see how different events in your life have prepared you for the role you are playing right now? Think also of the people in your life. Who has influenced you the most? Who guided you and trained you, whether through their words or their example? Isn’t it possible that God has used all these to prepare you for something extraordinary?
In prayer today, take a piece of paper and write down your different roles across the top. Maybe you are a parent. Maybe you work in a large company. Don’t forget roles like “friend” and “co-worker.” Now, under each role, start to list the experiences or relationships that have prepared you for those roles. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see how he has been at work shaping you. Ask him to show you how he has filled each of these roles with his grace so that you can do extraordinary things—no matter how “ordinary” your life may seem.
“Holy Spirit, open my eyes to your ongoing call and training in my life.”
Psalm 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34; Matthew 11:20-24
Daily Marriage Tip for July 16, 2013:
Don’t rush to supply activities when your child whines, “I don’t have anything to do!” A certain amount of boredom is a pre-requisite for creativity. Besides, you can run yourself ragged trying to entertain a child 24-7. Save energy for your honey.