My sister and I went to Mass this morning and the scripture readings were so meaningful – as well as the hymns. The theme was that God is with us through all the storms in our lives. After Mass, there was a reception for the beloved priest who came to our house several times and was so present to my mom. Sadly, he is being assigned to another parish. We told him the news of our mom’s death and of course he was very comforting. Later, I received an email from one of the ladies in our community who shared the news with our other neighbors. She included a beautiful reflection that was written by a friend of hers. It was so fitting as well:

80F degrees today. Well, this is not too bad for a warm hike, and enjoy the Colorado outdoors today.

Hikings always allow me to reflect while I enjoy my time by myself.

Throughout the pages of Scripture, I’ve found that the most popular place to learn God’s ways is smack in the middle of the wilderness.

Every single person who has been greatly used by God has had to go through the wilderness.

For it is when surrounded by the deafening silence of the wilderness that the soul quiets enough to hear God speak.

It is when others become shadows that allowing God’s Presence to settle over you that you will finally understand that without Christ, you can do nothing, be nothing, and accomplish nothing.

The lesson is obvious: when there’s no one around to impress, the Lord will impress your heart with His Presence.

You can best hear God in the stillness.

You can best hear God in the quiet.

You can best know the Father when you’re perfectly lonely.

And when you’re alone enough to listen, you’ll hear Him whisper:

You are loved.

You are dear.

You are seen.

Your future is secure.

You are known.

And you are NEVER alone.

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage” – Psalm 84:5.

Believer, remember that you’re a pilgrim just passing through this land called Earth, in search of a heavenly city whose maker is God.

Be dependent upon Him for every ounce of strength and thank Him for the pathway He’s showing you in this pilgrimage.

Perhaps it hasn’t always been the path you wanted, BUT it’s always been for your good, because “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him”— Romans 8:28.

Be hungry for the uncomfortable because HE is OUTSIDE of our comfort zones…”

I Found God today in His promise of being present even in the storms of life.