Today, I SHOULD be cleaning my house in preparation for my sister Mary's arrival. It is the last full, uninterrupted day that I have until she gets here. Instead I am busy rejoicing with my dear friend Sandra. I know I should be rejoicing AND cleaning, but I just want to sit and talk with Sandra.
So between now and Thursday, I have to turn the room of chaos into a welcoming guest room. I have to clean the bathrooms, clear the kitchen table, straighten out Paul's dresser, excavate the green chair and clean all the floors/carpets in the house. I think I can get most of it done this afternoon, if I just get up from the computer. Oh, and I have to go to the grocery store to be able to fix and eat dinner before a T-ball game at 7pm.
Why am I rejoicing?
It's a long story.
Sandra and I have been friends since the fall of 1988. At Easter in 1993 or maybe '94, Sandra was recieved into the Catholic church, and I was her sponsor. We have remained close friends over these many years, and even though we go for long periods of time without talking regularly, whenever we do talk, we just pick up where we left off, as if there were no time lapse.
Sandra is living outside of Naples, Italy. Her husband is stationed there with the US Navy.
I also have a dear friend who is a priest, Fr Benjamin Roberts. Fr Benjamin is in Rome for a continuing education experience on Ecumenism and the Catholic Church.
When I realized Fr Benjamin was going to Italy, and that Sandra was also in Italy, I suggested a meeting. Fortunately, it worked itself out and Fr Benjamin and Sandra were able to meet for lunch and discussion yesterday afternoon. They 'clicked' nicely - I knew they would. Sandra is, as my sister Mary says, "A mixer - she can go anywhere", and Fr Benjamin is a wonderful priest. I knew that they would get along well. After an afternoon of eating, shopping for holy items (a crucifix, holy cards, medals etc...) and discussing life, the world and everything, Fr Benjamin heard Sandra's confession! Hooray! This is exactly what I had prayed would happen.
I did not tell either person that this was my hope. I knew they would be fine socially, and I didn't want to place any pressure on either party for confession to happen. But I prayed that it would happen. And yesterday (Wednesday) when I was out running at 9am, it came upon me to fervently pray RIGHT THEN that Sandra would avail herself of the sacrament and that Fr Benjamin would offer to hear her confession and that Sandra would say yes.... It was a fervent prayer for about five minutes, perhaps more, and then I was calm and I kept running and praying for Sandra, for Fr Benjamin and for myself that I would get home safely from my run. It was hot. And then I felt a peace and joy descend over me. I came home and checked my emaiil / skype account almost fanatically until I heard from Sandra. And sure enough, confession happened.
The change in Sandra is almost tangible. When we finally did get on the computer to skype last night, she was practically radiant. The joy of her salvation has been restored. Thank God. I have my friend restored back to spiritual health, and on a path to spiritual wellness again. I cannot begin to express the joy that this brings me, and Sandra is over the moon with joy!
And so, today, instead of being active around the house, I have been on the computer - talking to Sandra via skype. And smiling from ear to ear. And thinking how wonderful to have two such good friends - a good and holy priest and a dear friend from college. And now, they are friends, too. And we are all on this spiritual journey together and we are never alone. God calls to us and comes for us, even when we least expect it, least deserve it. We are loved. And on this day, God's love is tangible - words of absolution, spoken in person, time spent in the company of a real person who listens and is compassionate. Truly, today I have been blest.
If I can harness this joy into action - I may never have a messy house again..... alas, I haven't figured that out yet. So I must sign off. Join me in rejoicing though.
A sheep was lost and the shepherd heard and rescued the sheep. A coin was lost and a lamp was lit, the floors swept and the coin found. It is truly an Amazing Grace, and I am rejoicing to have been even a tiny part in in the play.
God is so very good.
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