Companion
I was beginning to question the accuracy of my eyesight or my housekeeping skills…or both. It was a daily occurrence to find more and more little red pieces of “something.” They were located mainly in the vicinity of my prayer chair. At first, I thought they might be leftovers from Christmas decorations. Better step up my cleaning routine, I thought. But no. I finally determined the red fallout came from something I was holding during my prayer time. One of my books was shedding its skin. The leather, or fake leather cover, was and still is peeling off in places. What did I expect after 9 full years of daily handling?
In spite of its outward appearance, My Daily Spiritual Companion remains a much loved and dependable friend on my faith journey. This book was a 2014 Christmas gift from a special prayer partner. It has a page for every day of the year. It names a saint of the day and a little bit about her or him. A brief prayer at the end offers encouragement to imitate a particular virtue or trait of the saint. In the center of the page are “Today is the Birthday of” and “Today is the Anniversary of.” On the lines provided I have listed birthdays of family and friends and also wedding/ordination anniversaries plus death anniversaries. These provide me with special prayer intentions on the days noted. It is also serves as a prompt to send a quick text or email to the referenced family member or friend on these occasions. I treasure this little book for both its donor and its content.
What are the lessons I can learn not only from the pages of this book, but from its fragility as well? The obvious one: don’t judge a book by its cover. I have been guilty of snap judgments of both people and situations too many times! I have been quick to judge others based on appearances. With a little time and patience, we usually discover so much more than meets the eye.
Another reminder lesson: nothing lasts forever. Material objects, the written word, relationships, this world, and our very lives are temporal. How many times do I find myself holding onto stuff and worrying about its longevity as opposed to focusing on living my best life for my God and others?
The Good Lord provides us with many companions on our faith journey. Some come into our lives for a reason, others for a season, and a special few for a lifetime. How often do I express my gratitude to and for them? Jesus is the ever-faithful, always present-with-us one. How many times a day do I acknowledge and thank Him for His companionship?
Please pray with me today Psalm 24:4-5, from the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time:
Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.
May each of you welcome the Best of Companions into your life this year.
