Showing Up

            I had a plan.  I booked a flight to go to a funeral yesterday for a mom of a dear friend of mine.  The super early morning, the missed exit, the full parking garages, the long check in line, the spilled coffee, all began to point in a different direction.

            It turned out to be a day of travel for the books.  After 3 flight changes, three gate changes and two terminal changes, I found myself sitting there waiting for a flight that was never going to get me there until way after the services and funeral. Although I thought of going just to hug my friend and give her support, I realized that I could take all my inconveniences and daily sufferings and lift them up for the salvation of her mother’s soul so that's what I spent the rest of my day doing.  It was a weary, tiresome, frustrating, agonizing, confusing day but in the end, I did what was right and I am grateful for it.  

            I admit it took me some time to get to the point of lifting my sufferings because selfishly, I really wanted to be there and make this happen.  There were moments I wanted to give up and moments I wanted to keep trying. I stubbornly held on to the end letting every possible scenario come into my mind.  It wasn’t until I heard the “final boarding” call that I sat there, prayed deeply, and made the decision based on what was right in front of me, it just wasn’t meant to be for me to get on that plane today.  I may never know the reason behind it all, but I knew in my heart that it just wasn’t the plan. 

St. Paul saw his — united to Christ’s: “I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.” (Col 1:24).

            My day of frustrations, tears, sadness, heavy heart and confusion, mental exhaustion, and weariness was meant to be lifted up for the repose of her mom’s soul.   I am grateful for the day that wasn’t what I planned. I am grateful I was able to show up for my friend in the way that I did. I am grateful Jesus taught us that.

“By his passion and death on the cross Christ has given a new meaning to suffering: it can henceforth configure us to him and unite us with his redemptive Passion.” (CCC 1505). 

My prayer for you today is that you find clarity in the sufferings of your day.  May you find simplicity in God asking to be with you in every part of your day. May you answer God with a yes to offer up your works and trials for a specific intention, for a friend or family member, or the salvation of souls and may you see the purpose in all your days.

Together in prayer.  Hand in hand.

This blog post assumes the perspective of a Catholic mom. It is important to acknowledge that everyone's spiritual journey is unique, and the views expressed here may not resonate with all readers.