I went to Confession the other day. I was face to face with the priest. After I confessed my sins and the priest noted that I was tall, he started to tell me about the spirituality of being tall. I was surprised. I knew that I was 6feet, 1inch, but I didn't know there could be a whole spirituality behind that. I'll admit, sometimes I wish I wasn't tall because I feel like it causes people to look at me. I stand out in a crowd. Quite literally. I also used to worry that there were not enough tall guys out there for me. I also felt anxious when people asked me if I play basketball because, quite honestly, I don't even like basketball, let alone play it. But this priest brought up the idea that God made me tall for a reason. It makes sense. I know that God created every part of me and planned each characteristic. Why wouldn't that include being tall? Okay...so what is this spirituality? The priest said that when a person goes out to buy or cut a rose, he/she chooses the long stem. He said that the choicest fruits and most beautiful blossoms are at the very top of the tree. I also was once told to be like a sunflower; to stand tall and face the Son. Pondering all of these things, I realize that standing out doesn't need to be embarrassing. In fact, I can use it as my spirituality to "stand out" for Jesus Christ. If I stand out, then should I not point to heaven? If people look at me, should I not, then, reflect Christ Jesus? In little ways, I get to help short people at the grocery store reach the top shelf. I get to set a visible example of how to live for God. I can easily act "motherly" to all people as the Virgin Mary is mother to us all. What about you? Are you short? Use your littleness for a childlike spirituality. What is your name? Use the meaning of your name to discover your identity. Are you funny? Use your humor to lift spirits. Are you timid? Use your gentleness to include the lonely. Do you like food? Evangelize over a meal. Do you tend to take the lead? Lead others to Christ. Look at your characteristics and see how you can glorify God with them. Use them to discover a whole spirituality that God has gifted to you.
2 Comments
Grandmama
1/5/2020 05:12:31 pm
A whole new look at our own personal spirituality! Thank you Jacqueline!
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Jacqueline
1/6/2020 04:05:37 am
Thank you for reading, Grandmama!
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AuthorJacqueline St. Clare: I spent six months in a cloistered convent, and now I'm a college student! Archives
April 2021
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