Ispirazione

Inspiration can come from different sources like artwork; writings of the Church fathers; walking in the woods; quotes of the Saints; conversations with friend or foe; taking a nap; the random words of a child; or music.  God speaks to us all of the time; and we will sense his inspiring guidance if we are tuned-in to the notions of His Spirit and the motions of His angels.  John Philip Sousa admitted once that any composer who is gloriously conscious that he is a composer must believe that he receives his inspiration from a source higher than himself.  We must also realize that our lives are orchestrated by God who devises each epiphany with developed arpeggios and simple stanzas.  Our control creates interference with our reception of God's guidance.

Today when my spirit was in a low due to physical and emotional circumstances, God spoke to me from a hundred and twenty-eight year old daily reading book. Even a book from a different era had inspiring words for my soul.  Sometimes, I randomly open the book to a page, but this afternoon, I opened the book to February 26.  The following was the entry from Daily Strength for Daily Needs by Mary W. Tileston:

• I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.        - Psalm 34:4
  
• Be Thou, O Rock of Ages, nigh!
  So shall each murmuring thought be gone;
  And grief and fear and care shall fly,
  As clouds before the mid-day sun.              - C. Wesley
  
• Take courage, and turn your troubles, which are without remedy, into material for spiritual progress.  Often turn to our Lord, who is watching you, poor frail little being as you are, amid your labors and distractions.  He sends you help, and blesses your afflictions.  This thought should enable you to bear your troubles patiently and gently, for love of Him who only allows you to be tried for your own good.  Raise your heart continually to God, seek His aid, and let the foundation stone of your consolations be your happiness in being His.  All vexations and annoyances will be comparatively unimportant while you know that you have such a friend, such a Stay, such a Refuge.  May God be ever in your heart.
                                                                                                      - St. Francis De Sales

 Reading these words made my heart vibrate and my skin tingle.  I knew irrevocably that God had heard my words this morning during mass.  He understood the message of my prayers.  The entry in the daily reading was exactly what I needed to hear in that moment, and He delivered me from another day of vexations and annoyances.  My heart registered the inspirational notes with appreciation of His stanzas of tempo. Hope was recharged.

May I always be prepared to receive God's inspirations.
May St. Raphael hold my hand as he prays for my healing and guides me along God's will.
May God bless my family with miraculous grace and mercy.
St. Theresa the Little Flower and Mother Teresa pray for me.
Thank you Jesus!

- little petunia