Do you hear it?

If you've read this blog for any amount of time, you know I am a big fan of the Holy Spirit's workings in my life. It hasn't always been this way. I was just thinking the other day about how much time I wasted missing all the little "gifts" that happened to me during the day for so many years of my life. Now, I do my best to listen and hear the guidance given to me. Like today. I suppose someone could say "wow...what a bunch of coincidences!" You and I know better ;0)

- It's a lot of gross girl stuff but I decided I needed to work out tonight because I would be "out of commission" for the next two or three days. However, it was SO HOT today I thought "there is no way I can run, I'll just do aerobics downstairs." Well, in about ten minutes I found myself in running gear and outside.

- "OK I thought. I will walk but I can't run. I can't do it." However, when I got outside, it seemed almost pleasant. I still walked a lot of the way but, different this time, I headed toward the center of my town and away from my parish. I usually head the other direction but I felt very strongly against it today. So, off I went. In about 20 minutes, I found myself at the bottom of a deep hill so I looked up. Straight ahead (about 3/4 of a mile away) was the steeple from my church. "OK, I thought, I will go" - I always stop by the tabernacle to give thanks after my workout and I feel like I missed something when I don't.

- Another 15 minutes and I made it to church. I walked toward the top of the church and tried the door - it's locked at 7 on Saturday night. So, as when it's closed at other times, I headed down to the statue of Our Lady to say a rosary. I did see lights on in the church hall but I didn't think much about it. I was having a productive, peaceful rosary so I was in that place and not thinking of much else.

- I was well into the third Joyful mystery when I noticed, out of the corner of my eye, someone come out of the door from the lower church, along with a young girl. I looked up and saw that it was my very good friend. After her shock passed at seeing me, she said "oh, now I know why we came out this door!" It seems that she was parked on the other side of the building but still felt it was imperative that she exit that particular door.

- We talked a bit and she said "you should go in and get your blessing from the new priest!" Of course! Now I remember, it's the thanksgiving Mass and reception for our former deacon of three years who has now become a real, live priest. I told her "no" as I was feeling embarrassed from both forgetting the big day and looking as post-run terrible as I did.

- We talked for a while and then she got a huge smile on her face. I turned around to see our pastor, parochial vicar and the "new priest" walking from the lower church to the rectory, right past our seat. I greeted our newest priest warmly and even gave him a hug but stopped after a bit of small talk. My friend, of course, didn't get the hint. "Father, " she said, "she won't ask for a blessing but it would be lovely if you could give her one." So, he did. The most beautiful blessing I have had for some time. It was a gift I will cherish. Having spent the last 3 summers getting to know this deacon and now priest has been a blessing for our entire family.

So, there you go. I allowed myself to be led and look at the amazing gifts that were given to me because of that obedience. I had the choice to "do my own thing" but, truthfully, I'm growing tired of that. I kind of enjoy riding the wave and finding out where I land. Usually it involves some grace-filled moment like tonight.

If you've read through this entire post (God bless you!) I would like to ask you to spend the next day or so listening a bit more intently. If you feel a little nudge to do something, just do it. You never know what blessings there are for you. God is so very good. Let Him show you just how much.