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Lord? Alright, I'm here, I'm Yours, I'm ready to go. I desire to please You and make You happy, even though I am very little. That way, no matter what's going on in the world, even if other people are hurting Your Heart, You can look at me and my struggles to love You and You can smile.
"Little one, I see the movements of your heart towards Me. These efforts of yours do please Me, and I look on you with delight."
Lord, there's one thing, though. It's so easy to love You when I feel You in my heart. When I feel Your presence, my desire to spend eternity with You grows. I am amazed by how much I am willing to suffer for You in those moments when my heart is so full of love. But ...
"Please continue, for I am listening to you, My child."
But then there are times when my heart cannot see You anywhere, and it feels like You are very far away. During those times it seems that You don't speak to me and that the easiest task becomes difficult. Trusting in You becomes an act of the will. Lord, why do You leave me, even for an instant?
"My child, I never leave you. I alone sustain you when your faith is sure and bright, or when your soul is clouded and darkness overwhelms you. This world is a world of sorrows, and at times the road you travel is painful and lonely. Do not give up hope, but look to Me. I walked this way before you. By trusting in Me during times of darkness, you ease My sufferings upon the Cross. Trust in Me and trust in My love for you. I am with you always."
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Read part 1: The Quiet Call.
Read part 2: Trying God's Patience?
Read part 3: A Trail of Trust.
Read part 4: If You Want Peace ...
Read part 5: In Your Mercy, Preserve My Life
Read part 6: Finding Everyday Masterpieces.
Read part 7: Into Jerusalem
Sarah Chichester works for the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, based in Stockbridge, Mass.