Of the many gifts coming from God, we fail to recognise the crucial one the gift of hardship! Ask the Little Flower of Jesus; she will confirm that truth. The challenges that go with hardships can bring about the best in human endeavour. That is common knowledge; any sports person will tell you that. However, for one reason or another, we are averse to use that truth in dealing with spirituality!
It is very true that in dealing with hardship we can become more holy! But the hallmark of holiness is reverence reverence extended not just to God, but to our fellow persons; and not just to our fellow persons but to all of God’s creation! The Kingdom of God begins with the realisation of that truth. To accept the gift that God has given you can be tough; accept it anyway. You can make it your life’s journey. You have all the time in the world; or so you think. Think again.
Don’t be too optimistic about your life’s span! Hitch your sari; or your lungi; or whatever you are wearing and start now! In your home, in your garden, at your place of work – or worship; or on vacation – start now! Pick your strength; what you are good at; what you love doing. Do that. Make it your base. Don’t pick your hardship. Hardship will come to you in good time.
When you recognise your gift accept it joyfully! Like Theresa. Her life was joyful every time she was chosen to bear the gift of the cross of salvation: the Cross of Jesus! So, pick your gift and recognise your cross! If you are a teacher, joyfully accept the difficult pupil. If you are a good planner and can’t stand a mess, look for a mess anyway, and clean it up. If you get to pick your own cross, you can be sure you already are carrying it! Thank God for that. And learn to love it! Pick your Saint and aim to become one: That’s your mission. Bon voyage!
