As my oldest daughter was preparing to head to college, I wanted her to know that God would guide her as she ventured into a whole new world of growth and experiences. In searching for just the right idea, I found this prayer. I cleverly placed it in the middle of a photo collage frame of family pictures. She would have to hang it in her dorm room since it was too big to fit in a drawer! I was hoping in her moments of doubt and fear, she could calm her spirit by reading this prayer when her own prayers might be muddled or non-existent. As Pastor Alec said this past Sunday, “prayer isn’t always easy, especially in times of struggle or uncertainty.”
Through the years, I have given this prayer to my teaching staff to post in their classrooms and again, placed it in a similar family photo collage when my younger daughter went to college. When there our days of doubt in their abilities, whether it’s in the preschool classroom or college campus, what a comfort to know that by trusting in the infinite possibilities born of faith and the gifts given to them, they could find immeasurable peace and freedom to live and love.
Little did I know as I gave this to others, it would become my constant prayer over the past four months as I moved forward in discussions with Lord of Life to be the Director of Faith Formation. God had started tapping on my shoulder to open a new chapter that was born in faith. There were so many fears and doubts over this life-changing decision, but with each step, I have felt the Holy Spirit continuing to calm my soul with the knowledge that I am where I am meant to be. “Do you feel it in your bones yet, Angie? Remember that you are My child and I have given you the gifts to live into this calling of ministry with the people of LOL.” I am reassured that my fears of inadequacies will be met with love, grace, and opportunities for growth by the people God places in my path (hint, hint!). I have found peace knowing that POP (Prince of Peace) Kids School is exactly where they are meant to be with new possibilities for their future as well.
I AM feeling it in my bones… the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love in this new adventure with you. With faith, truly all things are possible. However, just a heads up, I’m still working at the singing and dancing part but that doesn’t keep me from trying or feeling the spirit!
Wherever you may be in your life’s journey, I pray that you feel in your bones the contentment and peace that comes from knowing you are a beloved child of God and the infinite possibilities that are born in faith. I can’t wait to know you and grow together!
God’s peace always,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation
P.S. If you’re interested in learning more about St. Teresa, here is a link: www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=208. She was declared a Doctor of the Church for her writing and teaching on prayer, only one of two women to be honored in this way.