It’s always challenging for me to reflect on a reading when Jesus tells the people that they are misled, or wrong, but basically leaves it at that.  I truly felt misled after reading today’s message.

So, I will share my thoughts on what I got out of today’s most perplexing readings.

I recently celebrated a birthday.  This always causes me to pause and reflect on how grateful I am to be alive, well, and able to do the things I enjoy.  I end up thinking of some who were lost at young ages, and it’s humbling to realize the privilege it is to do the things I’m able to do with relative ease.  I’m blessed to be able to talk to my Mom, or see her when she stops at Creighton to say hello just because she was nearby.  I am fortunate to be able to come home to a hard-working, kind, gentle husband with whom I’ve been allowed to create a beautiful family.  We hope our children can look around and appreciate the blessings that have been bestowed on them.

Finally, besides being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend etc, I am a nurse.  I truly believe this is a part of who I am, one of the reasons I was created.  Today’s reading makes me think about being called to a holy life, not according to my works, but according to His own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus.

Birthdays and New years are good times to pause, reflect and take inventory of what I was created to do.  What is my purpose? What are gifts and graces that I have received to help me carry out the plan God has just for me?  Above all, how can my gifts be used to serve others, ultimately fulfilling a major message from the gospel?

Take some time to determine some key times that could lend to meaningful self-reflection and reflection on blessings that are easily overlooked.  It will be worth the time!