A number of years ago, on an occasion when I was returning to University, my Mum gave me a Padre Pio card – the quotation read:
“There are only two things in this world which will never abandon you:
God’s eyes, because they will see you wherever you are, and your mother’s hearth, because it will always follow you”
I read this many times; it sits in front of me daily, at my work. I find the words comforting, powerful, loving and reassuring. And I love it.
As most of us now embark on a busy few weeks ahead of returning to school, starting school or, close to my heart, moving further afield to University, my thoughts bring me right back to this quotation.
The first is “God’s eyes” – this is the gentle reminder that God’s eyes are full of hope and love for us. Furthermore God has a plan for each and every one of us, God will be with us in that plan no matter the path or outcome. It is also a reminder that we are truly valued by God, that we have a special purpose regardless of our imperfections and the mistakes we make; that is ok too. For me it’s about reaching out to God in whatever way you are comfortable: through prayer, conversation, song, asking for guidance and direction, thanking God always but knowing that God is with you when you are afraid. That is why I like reading these beautiful words daily; it catapults me back to reality when there is a complicated situation or a decision to be made and reassures me that I am not alone.
The second is “mother’s hearth” – these words radiate the comfort, reassurance and warmth that I receive from my Mum. It reminds me of the complete and unconditional love that is that special bond between Mother and child. I have that in abundance from my Mum. My Mum also has a lovely relationship with God and with prayer; she is a lady of deep faith and was our first teacher of prayer and as children she taught us to believe and trust in prayer and in God and to believe in ourselves. Whether it was off to school or elsewhere, our day started and ended with prayer. We always had a medal pinned to our clothing to protect us and St Anthony was called for on many a case. And as a Mum of 7 girls and 1 boy, there was always a prayer for “no fighting” thrown in for good measure! If Mum couldn’t be with us, she sent the Sacred Heart to watch after us – her heart is with each and every one of us.
So in the week ahead, be strong and courageous, remind yourself of this quote, be reassured that you are not alone, be guided by a daily prayer and try your best. Have a lovely week and good luck.
Kay is married to Brendan and they have two children. She works in IT and is a Minister of the Word in Saint Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry.
