More than a Mother’s Group Leader
The days are busy and full. It seems like I am rushing minute to minute from one thing to another. It has been an emotional time as well. So much unrest everywhere. I wonder at times if anything I do really bears fruit. Am I just spinning my wheels? And then it happened.
I stopped off at the local Dollar Tree to pick up two little gift bags and some wrapping paper. The checkout person was a woman and she was good—goodness just radiated from her. She looked at me and asked, “How are you doing, Sweetie?” to which I replied, “Oh you know, last minute details and such. Christmas is always a crazy time of year!” She apologized for calling me sweetie and I laughed saying there was no need. “That,” I said “was one of the nicest things anyone said to me today.” She said, “Oh my! Well I hope your day gets better!” And I told her it just did!
She then looked at my pins—I have a Magnificat pin on my jacket. She asked if it was an angel pin and I said not it is Mother Mary and the pin is a symbol of the Magnificat. Mary has her arms outstretched because she is glorifying God and has accepted His plan for her.
She then looked at my rose pin and I told her that was for St. Therese of Lisieux. I said “St. Therese believed that the most important thing in life is to do things with great love. She saw herself as the little flower of Jesus and this rose pin I wear in her honour.” St. Therese did everything with great love and kindness, and promised to shower the earth with roses from heaven.
This woman looked at me and said. “You must be Catholic,” to which I replied, “I am.” She gave me a piece of paper and asked me to write all this down. I did. I then went into my purse and took out a novena to St. Therese and gave it her, wishing her a Merry Christmas. She took it, smiled at me, and wished me the same.
Why does this keep happening to me? I am not sure. I have found lately that I encounter people with questions about faith, and about God. I do my best to answer with love and kindness, and I always leave something behind for the asker.
We are called to be disciples of Christ. As we prepare for the Birth of the King, let us remember to act lovingly and with kindness to each other. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! Keep spreading the love, kindness, and mercy. God bless you all.
Rema Celio
Rema Celio an award-winning professional editor. She has worked in educational publishing for over 20 years, for both Pearson Education Canada, and recently at the Insurance Institute of Canada. Rema is active in her parish of St. Benedict where she sings in the choir and leads the Catholic Moms Group. She is happily married and the mother of two teen-aged boys. Rema loves to read, cook and bake with her husband, and knit. With her family, she enjoys playing cards, watching movies, and going for walks. Rema recently graduated with her certificate in Theological Studies from St. Augustine's Seminary/UofT.
