JOY!!

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;
they are the charming gardeners who make
our souls blossom."
~Marcel Proust~

Last weekend I had the privelege of attending a Golden Jubilee celebration at the Mount. Sisters Thomasita, Janelle, an Dorothy celebrated their 50th anniversary of making their first vows. To sum up the experience--JOY! I was especially blessed this time to be close to one of the Jubilarians. S. Thomasita and I have grown extremely close to one another and to see her face absolutely radiate joy when she walked in those chapel doors holding her vows was nothing short of a pure gift. It is almost a week later and I am still thinking about the immense joy that was in the chapel, the amount of unconditional love, and as S. Anne spoke of in her homily, "the boasting." These three women took 'the road less traveled.' S. Thomasita always used to say that her heart went first and she just followed---what a pure and happy example she is of how much happiness following your heart can bring.

There were several moments during the Jubilee I found myself teary---a teary that I cannot explain. I was literally moved to tears , especially during the 'We Come to this Feast' song. When S. Thomasita turned her back to us and faced the altar, I could not help but be so totally moved of the commitment and the faithful dedication her life has offered and how 50 years ago she did the same thing and gave her life to God. It was a true moment of realizing what a gift your life can be to others, what an impact one life can have, and the absolute grace that God gives to follow your heart. It was a time of gratefulness, of "boasting", and of complete JOY. I have the privelege of knowing S. Thomasita's family quite well, so being able to spend time with all of them was such a gift. Her brother Tom has made me a honorary Homan and I am ever so grateful--the Homan family has been a true gift to me and what a time we had.

The Jubilee ignited some thoughts. In 50 years, where will I be standing? What will I have so faithfully committed my life to? Who will be surrounding me and sharing in my life?!?! To see such an example of commitment, of a life lived for the heart is such an amazing encouragement to follow my own heart, to listen, and to "take the road less traveled," whatever that may mean for me. I know that the road of Thomasita's has crossed mine and I will never ever be the same. She has been "a gardener who has made my soul blossom." I am so thankful the Sisters celebrate in such a deep and special way, and even more so, they let others celebrate with them. JOY!

On another note, I am still looking for a job and have applications out, please pray that one comes along VERY soon!

Picture: Me, Thomasita, Maggie (Thomasita's sister). Maggie and I surprised her and dressed alike---she did not know I knew her family so well--but I have since March as we have been working on a Jubilee surprise for Thomasita since then--it has been such a joy.