Calm

A reflection from Deacon Yvonne:

I received some challenging news recently, and I reacted to it the way I usually do. I panicked. I imagined all of the worst case scenarios, I worried, and my thoughts spiraled. Eventually, I got to a place where I could take a deep breath, and then take another. When I was calmer, I was able to remember that even in the midst of this news, God is with me. That thought brought me so much peace. I thought of my favorite quote from St. Teresa of Avila. I usually remember it as “God never changes”, but the fuller quote is this: “Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you, all things are passing. God is unchanging. Patience gains all; nothing is lacking to those who have God: God alone is sufficient.” I truly believe this, and while I wish that in the face of difficult news I could get to this calmer place more quickly, I’m also grateful that I can get there at all.