What God is this that reaches in and cups my heart?
Who can change a soul so drastically that there is no point of return?
How can I tell you what has happened to me when I myself do not understand?
This simply is Mystery known throughout the ages by the Mystics and the Saints,
Who knew that I too could feel the hand of the Almighty caress my heart?

These were the thoughts running through my head as I tried to sleep last night  I finally sat up and sent them to myself via email so I could release them and sleep. Thus far, my pilgrimage was me thunking about a variety of topics.  I feel God’s hand upon me as I travel but that doesn’t mean that everything has been easy or that I am totally stress-free. I often find myself beyond my comfort zone with a number of things,  such as do I pay the bill at my table or do I go up to the cashier, do I trust the person giving me advice or must I be cautious,  do I follow my instincts or do I ignore them? When I do stop to pray, I am calm and grateful.

This morning, I thought that I would have plenty of time to have a relaxing morning in Loyola and then I checked the Internet.  It didn’t look like there were any buses running between where I was and where I needed to be in the afternoon so I had to quickly pack up and try to catch a morning bus. When I did  arrive in the larger city for a transfer, there were plenty of buses running in the afternoon. This turned out to be a God-send of sorts as I checked my luggage and had time for a walk by the sea . On the way to the beach, I passed a cathedral in which the focal point of the congregation was the Good Shepherd.   This got me thinking about how the cross is not the only image for me regarding my salvation. The Good Shepherd also speaks to me about a God who is tender and loving. This is the kind of God who will caress your heart in order to break the cardiac code that locks out all that is needed for one to grow.

God never gives up on us. There’s something moving about that kind of unconditional Love that changes a person forever once it is inderstood. We stop competing with everyone else because we know we have been blessed enough. There is no scarcity where God is concerned. There will always be enough Love, joy, peace, mercy and  forgiveness.  Grace will suffice. The Good Shepherd will seek out every single one of His sheep. Be at peace and know you are in good hands because they are God’s hands.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Do you believe that God holds your heart?

What causes you the most anxiety?

Prayer

My heart belongs to you, Creator God. Hold it gently so that I may  not flee from your great love. Amen.