Reminders
Earlier this week we went on a college visit with our daughter. We headed (south)west to Benedictine College for Raven Day!
In the weeks and days leading up to the visit, the communication from Benedictine College was fantastic. We received many Raven Day reminders. We would have to be hiding under a rock not to know when to arrive, routes to travel, options for hotel amenities, where to park, and remember to wear comfortable walking shoes. I greatly appreciated all those reminders. Oh, and if you thought Kansas was flat, you haven’t been to Atchison, Kansas.
When we first arrived on campus, we parked (where we were reminded to park, of course). As Aubrey and I were walking, we noticed a Miraculous Medal embedded in what looked like epoxy resin in the sidewalk. As we walked further, there was another, and then another. Later we learned the story…
Benedictine College President Stephen Minnis, when at a 2012 meeting in Rome, received the idea and conviction that Benedictine College should be consecrated to Mary. Not just a building. Not just the faculty and students at that time. The ENTIRE college. After much prayer and planning, consecration day came the following year on the feast of Our Lady’s nativity, September 8. One thousand students surrounded the college, prayed the Rosary, and buried Miraculous Medals. Some of the Miraculous Medals have had to be relocated a bit over the years due to construction projects, but they can still be found along the main thoroughfares of campus.
After construction of the new Benedictine College library concludes next summer, and the library is dedicated on Independence Day of our country, the displaced blessed medals will be repositioned in the sidewalks with the end result being an outdoor Rosary to follow and pray. President Minnis remarked, “It was so significant and important to make a public statement of our love and reliance upon our Mother.”
That’s quite a reminder.
Whether we recognize it or not, God provides us plenty of reminders. And, similar to the Raven Day reminders, I greatly appreciate them!
Let’s be reminded of a few:
You are beloved. A friend from my small group shared this great visual to consistently remind me of this truth: Imagine each one of us wearing either the shirt “Favorite Daughter” or “Favorite Son.” That is how God sees each one of us. Each one of us is His favorite. His love is that big and freely given.
And from this weekend’s readings-
Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121. Also crafted into this song by Ellie Holcomb.
Proclaim the word [of God]; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient. 2 Timothy 4:2
Pray always without becoming weary Luke 18:1
Be persistent in prayer, like the widow in Luke’s gospel. Luke 18:2-8
Whether it’s a message from a friend, Scripture, or a college visit, I pray truthful reminders will pop into your life when you need them.