Droplets of God's Grace

Rain being drenched on a rose. 

Those droplets reminded me of God's grace. And I was the flower, the rose- practically wilting in my frustration, discouragements and impatience. I thought it was a compelling, beautiful vision of God's grace surrounding us like a rose on a wet, rainy day.

How much I needed that consolation on a day where my hope felt nearly thread bare, and I missed the everyday and ordinary regular living so much. You don't realize all the blessings you have until you are taken out of them, and you have a new perspective.

I was trying to put things into perspective too. There were still so many things that were good and 'not wrong'. I could walk, I wasn't in pain, I could breathe, think, see beautiful nature around me. I have my faith, my family, food, shelter, etc... This helped in its own way and gave me a new appreciation.

I was literally drenched from the rain. But I loved it. It made me feel so alive and filled with fun and vigor when I was couped up for a week in a half. I needed to do something, something different! I love running in the rain on most days, and it was an amazing feeling to just be outside after not being able to do so for a while. 

I thought of putting myself in others' shoes- who are going through way worse and painful scenarios. I thought maybe there's some way that I could help them, volunteer, or just pray. Yesterday evening, a video just popped inside my head. I felt compelled to watch it. It was well known Catholic speaker Matt Fradd interviewing his wife Cameron Fradd on her chronic pain. I didn't know anything about his wife and had only briefly heard her name. I then realized I had heard her speak before on the saint summit my sister and I watched last year. She did a video about St. Maria Goretti- my confirmation saint! 

When I heard her speak again, I was captivated by all she had to say and share about her heavy cross of living with chronic pain. Her spirit, her personality, her wisdom and faith were so compelling and beautiful. Clearly, this woman knew what it means to suffer, and experience deep, excruciating pain because of her illness. But it doesn't define her. 

I was so encouraged and inspired, someone who experiences pain and suffering on a regular, daily basis and sharing their journey of diagnosis. My time being sick and just waiting to feel better and go back to normal has been hard- but barely anything to what this woman has had to go through. Perhaps the Holy Spirit guided and inspired me to watch this video that puts things into a new perspective, a new light. 

"God is within her, she will not fall." - Psalm 46:5