December 14, 2008
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The wonderful words of John Henry Cardinal Newman
God has created me to do Him some definite service. he has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. i have my mission–I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. Somehow I am necessary for His purposes, as necessary in my place as an Archangel in his. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for nothing. I shall do good, I shall do His work; I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it, if I do but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever, wherever I am. I can never be thrown away. I I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which is quite beyond us. He does nothing in vain; He may prolong my life, He may shorten it; He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends, He may throw me among strangers, He may make my spirits sink, hide the future from me—still He knows what He is about.
Comments (4)
I love these words of Cardinal Newman. I wrote them on my blog several years ago and I keep a copy of them on my prayer table. They are such a comfort.
I hope you’re having a peaceful blessed Sunday…
@brbschrm - I keep a copy of these words of one of my favorite writers in my prayer book and read them often, especially when I am wondering exactly what I am doing here on this earth and if I am serving any useful purpose. Today is indeed a peacful day inspite of it’s being so busy. We have spent the day in companiable industry baking our traditional nut roll in preparation for Christmas. Then we spent the afternoon baking bread so that Matthew can give loaves to all who will offer him hospitality while I am in the hospital. A very generous young man is my son. Thank you for your good wishes.
May I say that you are a generous and kind person and that I have never heard nor have ever gotten from you anything but good wishes and kind thoughts. Thank you.
I really wish I was home. Two days, three finals, then a month of being home with you and daddy.
@mksmak - patience my daughter. it is times like these that try our souls that make us into the people that God wants of us. offer back to him your little inconviences and annoyances and that bit of impatience that makes you wish you were done now and he will use it all to good purpose.
I too look forward to having my precious daughter by my side again, but I have learned that she is off doing the will of God and that I must let him mold her a little more before he will lend her to me again for awhile.
Get through this day and then another one and then your father will be there to get you and bring you home to us. I love you.