The image above, called "Divine Mercy", represents how Jesus appeared to St. Faustina, a Polish nun in the early 1930's. Usually,
the image includes the words "Jesus, I trust in You" at the bottom. I included similar words on the side. I'm including this picture for two reasons.
First, because I like this representation of Christ - He really does look merciful and welcoming, and this is a great relief in times of crisis. And second,
because the words "Jesus, I trust in You", to me, sum up everything in one sentence.
Although I am Christian first and foremost, I am also catholic. I always admired Pope John Paul II, and got a chance to go hear him talk to a large
crowd during the 80's. I didn't see much, but I was there, and that was the important part. I never agreed with everything catholic, but it
always was and still is the denomination I agree with the most. I wish Pope Benedict XVI the best. He seems to me to be the best person
for the job, and a difficult job it is.
A few more random thoughts? Ok, here goes.
I wouldn't say I'm 'deeply religious' because somehow that conjures up images of daily mass and heavy church involvement, which isn't me at all. For one thing, I don't care for crowds. If you were to look for me in a church, you'd likely find me in a dark corner, dimly lit by a few votive candles, nicely lined up in their red stained glass containers, their flames dancing on the stone walls and casting a soft glow on a statue of Christ or some local saint. Anyway, I'd say that my faith runs deep, and that it's an intrinsic part of me. I suppose the only way to know how deep your faith is, though, is to have it tested. I think it's been tested a few times in my life - though maybe not to a great extent, but so far it's carried me through.
Tying this to my 'life philosophy', I'd say I'm an optimist. Now, I do worry about details and the short term, generally speaking. I worry about the weather being too hot or too cold, I worry about what to wear, I worry about where I'll park, about meeting deadlines, about forgetting things that need to be done. However, I rarely ever worry about the future, because I believe it's in God's hands, so 'it'll work out'.
I'm of the belief that things always work out - whatever that means. Perhaps the best way to explain it is this: if you take a leap of faith, and you fall, God will be there to catch you. It might take a while to heal your wounds, but they will heal eventually, and God will help, if you ask Him.
The other thing I deeply believe in is that things - all things - happen for a reason. I may not know what the reason is, but there is one, and God knows what it is... And that's enough for me.
These are just the first few thoughts I wanted to include... More to come.
