I've read somewhere that the number 40 mentioned generally in scripture symbolizes a period of testing, trial, or probation. So it seems there is a richness of wisdom reached through a significant number of years, and for every good reason to celebrate this triumph. Some of us might even recall our own wake-up in life for the duration of days, weeks, or years that led up to this enlightened period of time that I believe is our greatest celebration of life.
For quite a few years, I've had to decline many invitations to special events due to crises in my family or through my husband's high demands of frequent travel that take me away. There's hardly a day that passes by where someone or someplace doesn't call my attention to an urgent need for one thing or another, from my unusually large family. This has been going on since my mother died 40 years ago. And, heaven only knows the reason I've claimed the responsibility of meeting those calls, in the best way that I knew. While it's always been a mystery beyond my knowledge and understanding of her gracious ways, she managed her large family so beautiful and gentle. This only proves it must have been through celebrated prayer. My questions and research have brought clarity for me these days. And I hope that my words will bring incredible freedom through the storms and wonders of life together.
Looking back, I can see my passion to help soothe those who were brokenhearted. Nonetheless, I never regret being immersed in the crises. My intentions were purely from a place of love to keep family together. Perhaps your intentions are likely the same for your family as well. However, sometimes, even in close families, there comes a period of time to look the other way. This wasn't easy for me, and might not be easy for you, to let go heartache. Nevertheless, it is easy through the miraculous power and saving grace of celebrated prayer in every measure of abundant gratitude, love, peace, and joy.
Perhaps, you've been caught up in trying to solve problems in your family like I was? However, when we realize that we might be more like the prophet Job by depending on ourselves and controlling things; then let this be a reminder not to do this anymore. This just might be your 40 days, weeks, or years out of the storms and into the abundance of life to be where your heart is in prayer regardless of whatever else is going on around you. And depend on being guided the rest of the way to those in need. And most importantly stay awake to the wonders all around you. It's all in His hands.
In due time, we're sure to find that our compassion, love, and attentiveness to those crises and responsibilities were the most powerful actions that brought us out of those storms for our greatest celebration that empowers us for the rest of our lives! He makes a way for us that pardon our absence with true validation for our presence for many, many, celebrations to come!
About Catherine Nagle: Catherine grew up in Philadelphia with 16 brothers and sisters, reared by loving, old school Italian parents. Catherine's artist father's
works graced locations from churches to public buildings; her mother was a full-time homemaker. A professional hairdresser, Catherine worked in various salons while studying the Bible and pursuing spiritual growth through courses, seminars, lectures and inspirational books, including A Course in Miracles and the works of Marianne Williamson among many others. The mother of two children and a grandmother, Catherine lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and son. She is the Author of Imprinted Wisdom.http://www.amazon.com/Imprinted-Wisdom-Catherine-Nagle/dp/145256938X