Okay, you heard it here first; GOOD NEWS DOES EXIST! Despite all that is happening in the world, there have been several wonderful experiences that I have had and decided to share them with you. Hopefully they will inspire you to share the Good News in your own life.
The first story is about a visit to IHOP. Late one morning, while running errands, I came across an IHOP restaurant, which I had never seen. I promised myself I would stop there for a late breakfast after all my errands were done. I finished the errands, and IHOP was still calling out to me, but I was convincing myself to go home. As God would have it, I went to IHOP. After placing my order and finishing my breakfast, I asked for my check. The waiter told me it was on the house!
I was a little curious but grateful. (My dear friend H, it is still happening) After tipping the waiter as I got up to go, an older woman waitress came over to me and said, “Sister, I don’t want to brag, but it was me who paid for your breakfast, but let me tell you why. The past couple of days I’ve been so sick I couldn’t come to work. Today was the first day I felt well enough to come in. Then I saw you, and I thought it was a sign from God. I’m so glad you came in!” I asked her if she wanted to pray, and she said yes. We prayed for her health for a while and then parted ways. When I got to my car, I reviewed what had just happened. What if I didn’t listen to that inner voice and just went home? I would have never met and prayed for this faith-filled woman. So my question is, do you listen to those quiet invitations that come to you?
Second story of the week: it is back-to-school shopping time, and the Smithtown Rotary is collecting supplies for the homeless families in our area. My PT doctor is a very community-minded individual, and so I asked him, Dr. Jared, may we collect 50 copy books here for the families? His answer was yes, and so the collection began. Before one of the patients left, she said, “Sister T, here is $20 to buy some copies. I don’t have time to run to the Dollar store. I graciously accepted the money and, after my visit, made a trip to the store. While I was there, I chatted with another woman buying supplies. As I was cashing out, she shouted from the other part of the store, “Sister T, what else do you need? How about 20 sets of pencils and pens to go with the copies?’ She ran to the register, paid for the items, and placed them in my basket. God really takes care of us all! All my fellow Rotarians want to go shopping with me!
Third story: my long-time friend Sheryl Spanos came in from Greece to visit with her mom, who was failing. After spending the day, she went to eat dinner with a friend, and on their return from the restaurant, she asked her friend to stop back at the hospital; something was calling her. When she got to the room, everything looked normal. She greeted her mom, and then suddenly her mom began choking. Immediately the staff rushed in, but shortly afterward she died. Sheryl was so grateful that she listened to the small inner voice that told her to visit her mom one more time. She was so grateful that she listened to the Spirit—blessings to Sheryl, her family, and we pray for the repose of the soul of her mother Rose.
One last quick story: I am presently at Enders Island Retreat Center in Mystic conducting a retreat with Sister Brenda Whelan, RSM, on grief called JESUS WEPT. We have been blessed with 12 participants from all walks of life, experiencing different cases of grief. The weather has been wonderful, and the participants are expressing their gratefulness for being present. Praise be Jesus Christ. We finish our retreat on Friday, so I ask you to continue to pray for us and for healing.
During this week, please take the time to recognize and tell the Good News of your life to others. Perhaps listen to someone else’s Good News. You will be glad you did. Remember, Good News doesn’t cost much, but it is lasting.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita Donach, CSFN
Photo Credit: Sr. Theresita, Enders Island Retreat Center, CT
