By Kate Anderson

How will you make it on your own? This world is awfully big, girl this time you’re all alone… You can never tell, why don’t you take it. You might just make it after all.

Mary Tyler Moore’s theme song brought laughter to an otherwise bittersweet goodbye. We were enjoying a golden weekend together: celebrating another family commencement only a week after I crossed the stage for my Bachelor’s degree. My car—laden with corporate clothing and apartment necessities—evidenced the big “firsts” to come with my departure. The joyful milestone celebrations were giving way to an entirely uncertain new adventure. With Rosaries in hand and tears wiped from cheeks, my parents sent me off with all the hope needed for my journey.

I admit a sense of unrest when basking in the golden sunshine of life’s grand finales. If picture perfect moments aren’t followed by the final credits, the story is obviously meant to go on. And the story can only proceed if another plot point (i.e. another issue/struggle/problem) demands resolution. We think the story is wrapped up in a neat little bow while the Divine Author sees a new chapter for us to unwrap.

When the pages of my life story are set to turn, the Ascension fills my worry-inclined heart with hope. I can only imagine gazing at Jesus while standing alongside the dear disciples and Blessed Mother. The risen Lord looks with love before inviting us to mission: “’It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established . . . But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 1:7-8 NABRE).

Does Mary watch her Son ascend with tearful smile? Does she fall to her knees in humble prayer, remembering another grand invitation fraught with uncertainty? Our Lady couldn’t foresee the seasons that God had in store for her when she first gave her fiat. That joyful Annunciation did not reveal the heavenly bliss and unspeakable sorrows to come. As she beheld the next glorious mystery of her Son’s life, Mary didn’t need to know what was coming next or where she would go. God had once filled her womb with His very being, and the Spirit had now filled her soul with power. Mary teaches us to embrace the uncertain path ahead by giving our “Yes” to the Lord when He calls.

Springtime is full of farewells and commencements. What a gift to also turn our attention to the Blessed Mother this month of May. Every chapter of life is shrouded in uncertainty, but we needn’t walk this journey alone. The Mysteries of the Rosary offer great comfort and peace every time our story reaches another bend in the road. With divine hope that beats even a cheery song, the Blessed Mother walks us Home with sure confidence that we can make it after all. As St. Maximilian Kolbe so beautifully said, “Our dear little, little mother, the Immaculate Mary, can do anything for us. We are her children. Turn to her. She will overcome everything.”

About the author:

Kate Anderson is a young lady with an old soul. She spends her days communicating and marketing for a Catholic school. Kate enjoys conversing with kindred spirits over warm beverages, reading spiritual books, and returning to her rural roots.

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Kate Anderson.  Used with permission.  All rights reserved.