When I was in Spain, I tried to figure out how I might go to Avila so that I could visit the birthplace of St. Teresa.  Alas, I could not bring myself to fit one more thing into a very tight schedule.  Today, on her feast day, I feel a twinge of regret about not having made that side trip. I have a lot of admiration For St. Teresa, one of two female Doctors of the Church –  there is something about her relationship with the Trinity that I  sense is similar to mine. I have these conversations with the Triune God  that are real and honest. I think too they can be playful, as were hers.

Without being disrespectful, I believe that many times we see saints as plastic, perfect souls when really they are as human as any of us,  with their foibles and failings ever before them.  We can learn valuable lessons from them. Perhaps the most famous story of Saint Therese is the one about falling off her horse into mud and telling God how inconvenient that was for her.  What she heard back was, that’s how I treat my friends. Her response was no wonder you have so few of them.  Such an honest interchange and lighthearted cajoling between the two.  I have an earthly friend who I can joke with like this and it makes me realize how much more precious my relationship is with God.

One of the things that I found out about St. Therese is that when she was dying she was happy. She was ready to go Home and to finally meet her Beloved face-to-face. For her, it was time to move on, and finally meet one another, something she longed to do.  I hope that I am unwavering in this attitude as well when my time comes. In so many ways, I long to meet my Maker.  Usually people joke about this concept, but there is a part of me, that when the time comes, I do not wish to linger but to go directly into the arms of my Beloved. I quite resonate with St. Teresa on this issue. However until that point, I am happy to keep joking with God and having God tease me back.  Life still has much to offer and God still beckons me to serve. I am equally as happy to do this.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Have you thought about what it will be like to meet your Maker?

What kind of relationship do you have with the Trinity?

Prayer

Oh you with so few friends, I am glad that you have chosen me to be one of them. I thank you for all that you are in my life, for the deep conversations that we have, for the jovial way in which you love me.  May my heart always belong to you completely and when that day comes when I will meet you face-to-face, bid me come, with a smile. Amen.