September 19th

September 19, 2016 is a day I will remember forever. It's...

...the day I clearly heard God's voice.

...the day that any doubt of God's existence left my mind for good.

...the day that God used me to save 8 peoples' lives, including my own.

I never realized how much one's life changes after a major tragic event, such as a house fire. Between the inconvenience of moving between different temporary homes to the intense interior struggle with all of the "What If..." thoughts and questions. What if I hadn't woken up when I did that morning? What if I hadn't smelled smoke? What if I hadn't listen to God's voice telling me to "get up and go?" What if I had spent time to grab personal belongings rather than immediately running out the house and leaving everything I owned behind?

A year later, and I find myself striving to help people in small ways, even if it is not convenient for me because I remember all of those who did that for me and my Echo community.  I'm smiling more.  I'm loving more.  I'm seeing God present in every experience and in every person with whom I encounter.  I'm dwelling more on "What did" rather than "What if."

Reflecting back on this past year, I am SO blessed for all of the new relationships I have formed (*shoutout to the Brothers at St. Procopius Abbey and the Sisters at Sacred Heart Monastery*), for the new home my housemates and I were able to enjoy during the second half of our Echo Year 2 experience, for a renewed sense of vulnerability, trust, love, and support among my community members, for my amazing new job in campus ministry, and for the ability to feel God's presence, love, and mercy every day! While the fire at our beloved Drexel Manor was extinguished early in the morning on September 19th, the fire in my heart continues to burn brightly and grow every single day.  God is SO good!

#Catholit #blessed