Go!

It's easy for someone to say something "is a gift from God". But what if it's not just something, but everything?

Get this: I got dressed to go out last weekend, and realized the outfit I had chosen (Chucks, jeans, sweater, coat, a knit hat, scarf and coordinating mittens) was something I would have dressed a Barbie in when I was kid. When did that happen? When did I become the grown-up realization of my childhood imagination?

It was like a slap in the face. No, not negative... It was a shift in perspective. When did my dreams come true? It snuck up on me and was so gradual, I didn't even notice. I just didn't realize until now because the path I took was not one I planned. It was like getting lost in the forest, wandering around, and having enough dumb-luck to find yourself exactly where it was you had set out to go to.

But, I can't take credit for it because in all honesty, it wasn't dumb-luck. All of it is a gift from God.

There was a time in my life (sophomore year of college and my first apartment) when I would have done anything to own a couch. It just didn't feel like home without one. But, it wasn't financially feasible at the time. Now, not only do I own one, but a loveseat and modest HDTV too: all in my very own apartment.

I wanted to get a degree in engineering so I could make good money working for a morally ethical company. Well, I didn't graduate and I'm not even close to being an engineer, but the company I work for is continually pushing the boundaries of it's industry and defining "ethical". My job supports me well enough to live on my own, go to school part time, and be active in church.

I look on every moment of my life: driving the overpasses and seeing the city around me, cooking myself dinner, gathering with a few dozen Catholics for good food and good music; and see how blessed I truly am.

I wouldn't be at peace if there wasn't something I could do to show my gratitude and thankfully I've been provided to do the opportunities to do so. I serve as a communion minister at church and for the sick, as a 9th grade catechist, as a coordinator for the young adult ministry, and hopefully as a blog contributor for Austin Catholic New Media. I'm trying to make it a habit to attend mass and pray the rosary and liturgy of the hours daily. I especially feel so lucky to be able to recognize the graces that I get from all of these opportunities.

So much grace that even when I am faced with obstacles (currently it's car trouble, getting ADA accommodation at work, and paying for school), I know that if I just hang in there and pray, the solutions will be presented to me.


Thank God!