Small Steps ~ Encourage One Another

     Courage. Whenever I think of this word, this action, I definitely do not see myself. In fact, I can think of many friends and family members who embody the very essence of courage. Because not only do they face adversities with grace, but they appear to do so head-on, and seemingly without fear. But who knows what they are REALLY feeling in their souls? Who knows the pain, the suffering, the inner struggles that they are going through?! Only our God REALLY knows us. The true us....
    
  St. Therese, the "Little Flower" has been on my heart lately, and I so love this quote:

Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing.

Story of a Soul, Chapter VIII

     If I am to go through my life just doing things, accomplishing tasks, then what is it all for if I do it without love? For what reason am I a wife, a mother, a friend, if I do not approach every interaction with love? And oh. How my humanness gets in the way. So often I am just tired. Emotionally. Physically. Mentally. I snap at my husband for trivial things that in the grand scheme of things just don't matter. Why do I not always have the courage to put myself aside and do what I can to help him? To help him with love? Why don't I always devote the time to nurture true friendships? Why is it so HARD to lovingly climb the stairs to help Joe clean his room?

Ah... But then... blessed grace steps in.  I recognize with startling vision that he is my child. The one who was gifted to me. He is in need,  and the way to show him love is to help him to do things lovingly. Even something as small, as mundane as cleaning a room...

    

 I know that I have a long way to go towards finding the courage that I seek. It has been my prayer this Lent to really be at peace. For I know that when my own heart is at peace, I am much more likely to find the courage I need to help those that I love most. I thank God that He is willing to always take me back lovingly. Forgiving me. Always seeking me out... Giving me the courage that I desire. And for that I am forever grateful.

     Please join in with Elizabeth and the others at Small Steps...