This week I was lucky to have so many special “God winks.” We can miss these subtle moments if we are not aware of the Spirit in our life. For me this week, there were the different people who were so kind to me that it made my heart sing. There was an unexpected meeting in a store and an extra item in my food order thanks to the kindness of another customer. There was the care and concern shown by a parishioner. And, there was the celebration of first Communion with some wonderful families. What a week and there is more to come!
A thought came to mind when I reflected on all these God winks: It is so wonderful to be acknowledged and recognized. It is like the theme song on the sitcom Cheers from the 80’s and early 90’s: “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.” I like to imagine that in-between the trials of the early Christian days it was also a time where everyone knew each other’s name and they recognized each other for who they were. I like to think that they supported each other and built each other up. And, that what they had learned from Jesus radiated from them to all those they were with. They had been with Jesus and they could continue on. Imagine the excitement they must have felt!
It might have been like the first fervor we feel when starting a large task, a new marriage, a new job, or a big trip. We are excited, full of ideas and energy. Yet, sometimes and somewhere along the line things can begin to change. We begin to lose our enthusiasm. Like the first Christians who radiated Jesus’ message, how can we stay energized by Jesus’ love and keep sharing that love with others, supporting them and building up the kingdom? Each of us has to answer that in our own way. There are some common questions, though, that can help us to figure out how to stay energized. Do we recognize the talents of others and tell them? Do we include people in conversations, work projects, fun? Do we take the time to learn someone’s name, then use the person’s name? Have we widened our circle of friends? Or do we just stick with the same folks we’re familiar with, never expanding the kingdom of God’s love?
I like to acknowledge people and their talents. I want to help build up the kingdom and not tear it down. And in order to do this, there is always some personal growth that needs to take place. That can be very challenging. My challenge for you this week is to become a “God wink” for someone else. That is what we are called to do. Are you ready?
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
Photo: Sr. Dorothea Jurkowski at the blessing of the animals at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy in Brooklyn in 2016.
