Motherhood is the gift…

God has created each one of us, every human being, for greater things – to love and to be loved. But why did God make women? Because a woman’s love is one image of the love of God, and a man’s love is another image of God’s love. Both are created to love, but each in a different way. Woman and man complete each other, and together show forth God’s love more fully than each can alone.That special power of loving that belongs to a woman is seen most clearly when she becomes a mother. Motherhood is the gift of God to women. How grateful we must be to God for this wonderful gift that brings such joy to the whole world, women and men alike!
–Saint Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)

God grants graces…

The Lord God grants His graces in two ways: by inspiration and by enlightenment. If we ask God for a grace, He will give it to us; but let us be willing to accept it. And in order to accept it, self denial is needed. Love does not consist in words or feelings, but in deeds… Jesus in me makes up for all my deficiencies. His grace operates without ceasing.
–Saint Faustina (1905-1938)

What to do…

A Medieval Mystic’s To-Do List

  • When you pray, be humble.
  • When you confess, be honest.
  • When you do penance, do it indefatigably.
  • When you eat, be sensible.
  • When you sleep, be disciplined.
  • When you are alone, be faithful.
  • When you are with others, be discreet.
  • When someone teaches you good manners, be receptive.
  • When someone reprimands you for your mistakes, be patient.
  • When you do something bad, ask forgiveness immediately.
  • When you are full of self-absorbed pride, fear for the health of your soul.
  • When you are sad, trust in God completely.
  • When you are doing manual work, work hard.
  • because hard work drives off every evil thought.

-– Mechthild of Magdeburg (Thirteenth Century)