By Roxane B. Salonen

Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus

Though somewhat embarrassing to admit, at times in my younger years of motherhood when things got really intense—and after knowing my family was safe—I’d flee the hearth for a few stolen hours, seeking a place to be still a while to listen for the Lord’s voice.

Often, it would be a quick drive to a spot nearby where I could park my car, lower my seat, and close my eyes. Often, tears would flow, and I would have an honest heart-to-heart with our good and merciful God.

I always returned better than when I left, more equipped to meet the challenges of a busy, demanding family. My lack had been filled!

The world is no longer quite as noisy. Our five children are mostly grown now, all in their 20s and seeking their own paths. But there are still moments when the small world around me—not to mention the larger one beyond—threatens to overtake my peace and best judgment.  

St. Teresa of Avila once called prayer “ a friendly conversation with the One we know loves us.” As much as I know my family loves me, human love never gets it exactly right, and none of my family members knows me like God does.

“But he lacks nothing who possesses God; for God alone suffices.” Again, St. Teresa’s sage advice points us to the only place where we can find what we need in any given moment.

What if all the world had this knowledge of where our safe harbor lies, understanding it is God—the one who created us and knows every millimeter of us, body and soul—who alone can empathize with our hurts and offer hope? May we be the ones to spread this good news, first to ourselves, and then to others!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for being my true safe harbor. Wherever I am in the world, I can find you, unchanging, all-knowing, and ever-loving. What a gift. It is, quite literally, everything!

Call to Action:

Sometimes, we just need to remind ourselves that God is always there, ready to receive us, our hurts and our fears, and always with a perfect remedy. The first step is to remember, like St. Teresa did, that He is the one sure thing in this life and the next, and to seek out His safety whenever the world fails to satisfy.

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