What is the Holy Spirit asking you to do that might seem overwhelming or frightening? Do you trust God to provide you with the skills and resources you need to follow his invitation of service?I think back on three days that impacted my life forever. I had been asked to help lead an eighth grade Confirmation retreat at my parish, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. I was told I’d help with small and large group discussions, games, and service projects. When I was first asked to be one of the leaders on this retreat, I was scared. But I also felt compelled by the Spirit to help, and so I agreed.
The topics we’d covered were chastity, “masks,” relationships with God, forgiveness, and alcohol and drugs. While telling others about the dangers of high school, I learned that I had gotten so caught up in them that instead of thanking God for every day of my life, I blamed him for every single one. That weekend, for the first time in four years, I went to confession and I completely broke down. The priest who was there gave me the best advice I have ever received. To this day I remember every word he spoke to me.
Over the course of the weekend I was asked several questions about my faith. And when I shared personal stories about my relationship with God, it really made me focus on where I stood with him. I was a senior in high school and I couldn’t have felt more lost; I had no sense of direction when it came to my faith. Six months after that retreat I understood that I was meant to be there. That weekend was not about me teaching those kids, but about them teaching me.
That weekend God healed my faith and brought me closer to him than I could have ever imagined. Looking back there are some things I wish I could have done differently. It is up to us whether or not to accept God’s invitation to serve others and allow God to touch us through that service. People have said to me, “Wow, you love God.” And now, yes, I can proudly say, “I love God!” For that I owe him all my praises.
—Grace B.
What is the Holy Spirit asking you to do that might seem overwhelming or frightening? Do you trust God to provide you with the skills and resources you need to follow his invitation of service?
What unexpected lessons has the Holy Spirit taught you?