The Mystery Reader

Last week I had the opportunity to be the mystery reader for my son, Edwin's, kindergarten class. Every Thursday, a "surprise" parent reads a few favorite books. I had signed up for this date last fall, unbeknownst to Edwin. He would ask me every week, " Mama, when will you be the mystery reader?" I'd answer, "Next time, sweetheart." He'd sigh in frustration...



I was so so nervous that day. Believe it or not, but I'm a lector at our church. I proclaim God's word in front of hundreds of people. Why am I so nervous to read a children's book for 25 kindergarteners? To make matters worse, I was exhausted from working the night before. I was functioning on only 2 hours of sleep. I was a walking zombie.



When I walked into the classroom, the look on Edwin's face was priceless. He looked so delighted and proud to see me. He jumped right out of his seat and gave me a big bear hug. I read 2 books,"How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food," and "Where the Wild Things Are." The class loved them! The interaction between us all was humorous and heartwarming. Just hearing them laugh, seeing them smile, was precious. It reminded me of the innocence of childhood, a carefree time where life is problem-free.



The entire time, Edwin was just beaming! He looked so happy that I was able to spend some time with him and his classmates. Afterwards, he kissed me on the cheek and said goodbye. My heart just melted. I felt that all the stress and worries in my heart about trivial things had vanished.



That was such a precious and perfect moment for me. I felt this was a gift from God. I truly am blessed to be a mom, to have so much love in my heart for my children, and to receive that love in return from them. It is times like these, that God reminds me of how beautiful this world really is.

My Worst Job

Since I started blogging last week, I've been retrospective about my life. As I think about topics to write about, I keep coming back to a time in my life where I thought, "It can't get any worse than this."

In the early 90's, I moved to a Michigan to start a new "dream job." I had been praying persistently to the Lord to help me get this job. I was so overwhelmingly grateful to have been so blessed.

I moved to a place where I knew no one. I was so scared, but also excited, too, to embark on this challenging journey. Luckily, I quickly met a close knit group of friends who became like family to me. They really showed me the beauty of kindness. I found a beautiful Catholic church nearby-Shrine of the Little Flower. I had always prayed to St. Therese as a young girl. It meant so much for me to find her there. My life outside of work was wonderful!



Unfortunately, my work life was not. I worked 100 hour weeks. I was exhausted and stressed. To me, though, it wasn't the hours that were horrible - it was the people that I worked with. Everyday I was constantly berated and demeaned, for issues that were not my fault. It was this constant attack that I found unbearable. I felt that the Lord knew the truth, and that the truth would set me free.

I turned to God and asked, "Please help me get through this. Please help me grow from this." This was the worst I had felt in my life at such a young age. I truly thought, it can't get any worse.

Little did I know, this was not to be the worst for me. It was yet to come...



Looking back, I see this experience as a preparation for the rest of my life. I truly became a stronger person with a thick skin. I realized that in the midst of struggle, God can send you His angels to help you. For me, they were the wonderful friends that I had met while there. In addition, I found solace in the beauty of the Mass. I remember sitting at the shrine, with tears in my eyes, because I felt I couldn't take it anymore. I then found strength in receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. " I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me."(Philippians4:13)



My time in Michigan was a mere 4 years, but looking back, it was something I needed. I had to learn to become a stronger person. I had to learn how to persevere. I had to learn to have true unwavering faith. My life has had its share of even worse storms. It is the Lord who has seen me through them all, helping me grow ever closer to Him.