CELERY
On New Year’s Eve, my family and I watched fireworks from my sister’s house. Immediately afterward, I experienced my own “fireworks.” As we went down the stairs, I slipped and fell in a horrifying tumble some nine steps down, rolling like a ball, landing at the ground on my bottom. It left me shocked, shaken, and temporarily immobile. Despite the pain and slight dizziness, I assured my alarmed family that I apparently (or miraculously) suffered no broken bones. I was able to stand up with assistance, regain my balance, and eventually walk on my own.
My niece called me up the following day. I told her the accident was probably a blessing in disguise. It reminded my sister of the Biblical character, the stubborn Jacob with whom God wrestled for twenty years. Jacob did not yield even if his behavior was detrimental to him. Thus God “broke” him by striking his hip socket so he would listen and follow God’s purpose for him.
It became clear that my accident was meant to be a Jacob-like jolt from heaven to shake me up and make me realize that I had become complacent with my past negative attitudes and resistance in response to struggles and difficulties. I was losing touch with the divine perspective regularly. My thoughts, words, and actions were out of sync with the voice above. Now I had to say goodbye.
I was long due for that push, and just like Jacob, I have been called to humility so that I may become more accepting and pliable to God’s plans. I must attune myself single-mindedly to the divine will. It is a good time for the change to make a fresh start. It is time to wake up and listen intently to the Spirit working in, with, and through me.
Christian pastor and writer A.W. Tozer wrote in his book that the great saints of the past differed from each other in nationality, educational background, temperament, and personal qualities. But there was something distinctly and vitally familiar to them. It was their “spiritual receptivity.” Tozer said that “something in them was open to heaven, something which urged them Godward.” Said, “they had spiritual awareness and that they went on to cultivate it until it became the biggest thing in their lives.”
I believe that my New Year’s Eve experience was but an invitation to continue to be spiritually open and receptive and to develop broader awareness of the divine presence within me, in everyone and the rest of the world. This presence of God then is my dominating and ultimate goal, desire, joy, and way of life.
*Written with the assistance of Alice E. Gonzaga
Something to think about, Celia. But how are you?
I am okay, Elise! Hope all is well with you too.
True, Celia. God taps us, or pushes us harder , jut to remind us of our mortality. I am reminded of my “accudent” on Edsa, when I lost my left leg. but tha’s another story. Danke, Gesu, for my life & all our family “gifts”.
Paz – it would be a great blessing to the readers of this blog if you can give an account of your accident together with the rest of your other trials that came one after another, transforming you into the beautiful person you are today!
GLad you are ok Celia ! What a nice way to fall – being able to put meaning into it ! Have a great 2018!
I must repeat, Nancy, that my fall was a blessing in disguise!
I enjoy reading your blog…… thank you Celia for sharing your personal experiences and thoughts with biblical stories paralleled to them. I always look forward to your next blog as it reinforces me to take extra time for reflection. Here’s wishing you are doing well after the fall.
Thank you, Minching, for your affirmation! You may one day want to share in this blog why and how your annual trip to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France as a volunteer worker began.
Hi Celia, it was indeed a blessing in disguise that it made your fall actually closer to God! Praise God for trials and Thank God for protecting you always!
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