Doesn't that sound like quite a goal? Heroes? Saints?!
To be with God in Heaven is sainthood, and we are all called to it. The world will not put the designation 'Saint' before our names, but that's of no importance. God will know. God knows now. He sees every little step we take, every hidden hint of progress toward holiness. 'By holiness we mean the absence of whatever sullies, dims and degrades a rational nature; all that is most opposite to sin and guilt.' (Blessed John Henry Newman).
Did I accept God's grace today to conquer some temptation, perhaps in a tiny, hidden moment? Did I stop myself from lashing out at someone in anger? Have I accepted what came my way without grumbling? Did I go graciously to a crying baby, or a spouse who wanted attention, or a neighbor in need?
If I haven't made any recent steps upward, I can be sure there are plenty of opportunities ahead. I don't have to look up the staircase and around the bends of it; there will be grace for those steps when I'm there. In the meantime, I have this next little step in front of me. And now this next.....
'Little by little we must acquire that dominion over ourselves which cost the saints many decades of years.' (St. Francis de Sales)
What hope this quote from St. Francis gives me!
'Little by little.' Step by step.
'...which cost the saints many decades of years.'
Through the profound grace of God, there is much hope.
© theCloisteredHeart.org
Painting: William McGregor Paxton
Oh, I love that painting and the exquisite light...the serving action. Beautiful. Also, the words "little by little..." Our daily gifts at laying down our self... however small.... It is good to see our struggles are not in vain and there is hope at living a holy life moment by moment. Reminds me of a Chinese proverb that goes something like: one removes a mountain by carrying away small stones. May we carry away the small stones of self for the good of the other, which is love is it not?. Blessing for your journey in holiness.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that painting exquisite? There she goes, step by step by step. Thank you, and blessings for your journey too!
DeleteThank you Nancy. Sometimes I think the "big" acts of service are easier than facing all the little, daily trials and temptations. Perhaps because no one notices (except for the most important One of course). Or maybe because they're so little we forget how important they are. But they do all add up, over a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteLove the painting, too.
Deborah, I wholeheartedly agree about facing the little daily trials. It's so easy to forget their importance! Thanks so much.
DeleteNancy, It's all about those tiny hidden works, isn't it? I think the Lord knows they reveal how childlike we really are willing to be on our spiritual journey. Is it about me ... or Him? Beautiful. +
ReplyDeleteThank you, Caroline. "Is it about me, or Him?" A perfect question.
DeleteOh my! This is one of my favorite posts. Its gentle nudges coupled with the simplistic image makes me say, "I can do this!"
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patty. I am helped a lot by thinking of just one step at a time ("baby steps!")
DeleteA post that speaks to my heart, Nancy! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mary!
DeleteBeautiful post. It gives me a visual of "stepping it up" and inspires me to make the next right step.
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much, Kristen.
Delete"..there will be grace for those steps when I'm there. In the meantime, I have this next little step in front of me. And now this next....."
ReplyDeleteThank you for this encouraging post, Nancy....I often get stuck on step for quite a while before I move on. It's good to know it's just one step at a time, isn't it! xox
Trish, I write this reply more than a month later (I'm sorry for such a delay!). Just after discovering we are stepping along side by side, in our white shoes :)......
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