My soul breathed a sigh of holy relief when I saw that yesterday was St. Francis de Sales’s feast day; because this guy is one bold, unapologetic spiritual director; the kind that would slap the sin out of you the same moment he’d offer a compassionate hug.
His words pierce my heart. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and oh so pressured to live up to the world’s expectations. Success. Wealth. Pinterest perfect life. That unbroken, I’ve-got-it-all-together look.
And what’s more challenging is that my expectations of myself match up with the world’s more often than they do with Christ’s hopes for my life.
But St. Francis just reminded me that which the world prizes and admires is not what our Lord seeks in my heart.
Humility.
Littleness.
Love and sweetness.
Dearest friends, we were not made for this world.
Do you have a quote from a saint you’d like to see here? Email me at thecatholicwife{at}yahoo{dot}com.
See the Monday Morning with the Saints Pinterest Board for more wisdom.
Wow, God is speaking right to me with this post! I’ve recently changed some habits and comforts I’ve always allowed myself to indulge in–ones that the world praises and encourages–and it has been oh so hard to give up. Just this morning I was mourning it a little bit, but what a wonderful reminder to not be satisfied with worldly things, but to trust that what God has for us is much greater. It is humbling, but I do so want to please Jesus with a heart that He can mold into His likeness instead of one conformed to the likeness of the world. Thank you for sharing this!!
Ahhh I love how you say”I was mourning it a little bit…” Because I definitely mourn the bad habits, too once I accept the grace to kick them to the curb. I heard recently that we miss who we used to be only when our conversion/transformation is incomplete. God’s still working on us, girl 😉
I love the verse “Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right[c] spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
AND THEN it continues “Restore to me the joy of thy salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (v. 12)
So good!! I know when my transformation is complete (so maybe on my deathbed??) I won’t miss the old Katie so much anymore, but I’ll be totally joyful about what Christ has done within me.
Amen!! Thanks for sharing the thoughts, I’ve been pondering what you said about our transformation being incomplete, I’ve never heard it put that way, but it is so very true. Isn’t God so good and patient?! I’m so thankful that He is faithful to complete His work in me, and I trust He will do so in time, and even is working now towards that goal. It’s all in the journey. God bless you! I love your blog, I’ve been reading for a couple of years. Thanks for sharing your wonderful, godly insight! He shines through you!!
Chelsee, I wish I could tell you how much your comment means! Thank you for reading for so long and for your kind words 🙂
And YES – the incomplete transformation – that’s insight from my spiritual director that is so very, very needed. I think our conversions can be completed, but there will always be an opportunity to deepen my relationship with the Father.