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Saint Anne's Catholic Community

Saint Anne's Catholic Community

A Roman Catholic Church In Barrington, Illinois

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LIFE IS A GIFT, UNWRAP IT THOUGHTFULLY BY SISTER LAURETTA LEIPZIG

May 8, 2020

God is the God of Life!  The scriptures remind us that in the beginning there was Life, the Word of Life. And this God of Life then filled the earth with the life of creation —  sea and sky, birds, fish and all animals, plants and trees, light and darkness, the sun, moon and stars – everything beautiful  — and God saw that it was good.  But there was still work to be done, because God wanted to make it all very good.  So, God created human life and it was the most spectacular living gift yet.  Then, down through the ages God was continually at work always being the God of New Life.  And even though God’s work was seemingly finished with Adam and Eve, God then brought life from death, life after death, resurrected life.  John tells us in his gospel writing that Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance.” We are gifted and blessed to celebrate God’s gift of life to the maximum.  This gift of life is meant to be enjoyed and appreciated till it overflows!

Sister Bethany Madonna, speaking at a convention at Georgetown University, addressed her audience with some profound thoughts on God’s gift of life.  She reminded them that God specially designed each of their lives. “Close your eyes and imagine for a minute.” she said, “the exact moment when God created you and loved you as his own.  Try to comprehend this:  we all have been given God’s love, but you are the only one who has been given the particular love that is yours for your lifetime.  No one can replace you; you alone can receive YOUR unique love from God in the one-of-a-kind heart that God designed especially for you.”

We might say that, yes, life is a gift and we all recognize that.  But it is also a test.  David Vissott describes the gift of life in this way: “The purpose of life is to discover your gifts.  The work of life is to develop your gifts; and the meaning of life is to give your gift away.”  We are challenged every day to make the most of our gifts and promise ourselves that we will use them for others.  With the extra time God has given to us in these days, I am offering this inspirational writing below that you will think seriously about its words.  They will make all of us acutely aware of our blessings and prompt us to ask ourselves: How can we not be thankful for our lives and gifts that are pure gift from God?  But, at the same time, how can we not remember, pray for, and help those who are finding life difficult and are struggling to meet the needs and adversities of each day? 

Today, before you think of saying an unkind word

think of someone who cannot speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food

think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your spouse or children.

think of someone crying to God for a companion

Before you complain about life

think of someone who went to heaven much too early.

Before you complain about the children

think about someone who wishes they could have children.

Before you argue about a dirty house or someone who failed to clean it

think about the many people living in the streets of the city.

Before whining about distances you must drive

think about those who walk the same distance with their feet.

When you’re tired and you complain about your job

think of the unemployed, disabled, and those who wish they had a job.

Before you think of pointing a finger or condemning and criticizing another

remember that not one of us is perfect and we all answer to the same Maker.

And when depression seems to get you down

put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around.

Life is a gift!  Live it…enjoy it…celebrate it…but especially fulfill it!

Enjoy and be blessed in the moment – it will not come around again!

Sister Lauretta Leipzig

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