Thought of the day: If Catholicism were what many of its enemies claim it to be, I would be just as disgusted with it as they are.
Today was full of unexpected adventures! I knew that I would be leaving my house earlier than usual to drop off my car for maintenance, but there was much more to the day than that.
I must have looked like the typical teenager, cruising along the highway this morning in my car, chewing gum, with the driver’s side window down. Little would an onlooker have known that I was cruising so that I wouldn’t lose my mom – who I was following to the car dealership – so that I could get my window fixed (it wouldn’t roll back up), and I chewed gum because I was hungry and a little nervous that I’d lose my mom in the traffic and end up not knowing where to go!!
Phew.
Got the car dropped off, mom drove me to work (St. Mary’s University – usually my school, but is now also my employer), and I did a few errands. After taking care of this business, I had about twenty minutes before my shift. So, I spent them the best way possible: with Jesus.
Surprise #1
If you live or work near a frequently-occupied Tabernacle, how often do you visit Him? I think many students at a Catholic university like mine don’t realize how extremely blessed we are to have several chapels on-campus where we are free to be with Jesus. During the regular school year, I look forward to stopping by and visiting Him between classes or when I have free time. The graces that He has blessed me with during these simple visits have been vital in my spiritual maturation! The Holy Father recently encouraged a gathering of consecrated women by telling them never to let anything stand in the way of their growing closer to their Spouse. These words continue to inspire me, a lay college student, to strive to grow close to Jesus. Why should I let anything keep me from Him? What could be more important?
University Ministry is a great place to work. My summer assistant position there is my very first paying job, and as I’ve told my mother several times, I’m glad I didn’t have to settle for any job but one in ministry. Anyway, my shift went well. After lunch, my mom, sister and I went swimsuit shopping. Now that’s a good story:
Surprise #2
My former swimsuit I’ve only owned for a year. It was bought in an extreme hurry, near the end of summer when stores’ swimsuit stocks are virtually zilch. THUS, I ended up “having” to buy what I have now dubbed a “Bond girl” swimsuit. Observe:
By this spring, however, not only had my body changed, but my standards had been raised. Sure, I looked like a Bond girl in this swimsuit. But as far as I’m concerned now, that’s a problem. That thing shows off just too much of my beautiful body!
Mysterious, pure, modest, and not a target for lust! Those are my new goals. So, after scouring the stores, I came up with this combination:
Look! No appearances by tummy, cleavage, or rear end. I think I accomplished my mission. *If you’re looking for modest swimwear and don’t mind shopping online, I suggest looking at Divine ModesTee.
Surprise #3
Anyway, in the middle of The Great Swimwear Search, we went to the car dealership to pick up my newly-repaired car. Crispy (that’s his name) was very happy to be healthy again. While I was there, a young employee flew by running. Immediately, I recognized him! “NATHAN!” I yelled at him excitedly. I’d had no idea that my former classmate from high school now worked at my auto dealer’s service shop! To my dismay, he was super-busy. To my FURTHER dismay, I’d lost my mom. She was supposed to show me how to get to a gas station! I slowly drove around the dealership looking for her. Instead, I found Nathan – er, he found me. I decided to calm down and chat with him instead of freaking out about Mom. It was nice to see him…I’ve missed his antics.
Surprise #4
I’ll cut this one short: I found my way to a gas station, then met my mom & sister at Target. Thank you, Lord!
Surprise#5
Great stuff on TV once I got home: The Little Brothers of St. Francis interviewed on Life on the Rock, and The Barber of Seville on PBS. And I got my sister to watch it with me! Hooray, I’m not alone in my opera-tics.
Surprise #6
I went upstairs after the opera’s first act to pray the Rosary. Before kneeling, I decided to check my cell for missed calls and saw that Sean called! Talk about a surprise: I’d talked to him the day before yesterday for an hour. I never expected him to call again so soon. My cell minutes were few, so I hesitated. If it had been nearly anyone else, I wouldn’t have returned the call. But by golly Miss Molly, Sean is well worth my minutes. Although the call only lasted six minutes, it cheered me up.
Surprise #7
Fr. Roderick is taking a vacation next week! Though I’ll miss my Daily Breakfast, I’m more than glad to exchange D.B. for a refreshed Fr. Roderick. He certainly deserves a break.
