by Rosa Fini-Sullivan, MD
Some places reflect eternity easily. Perhaps you have a special place where your heart can shed the layers of this world. A place where you go apart, to tune in, to open the heart’s door. A place where you are able to be still, to await God’s answer to prayers with increased grace and ready praise. For me it’s the majesty of the Rockies, exuding eternity and power, with high craggy snowcapped peaks, glistening in the sun, reaching to the sky in the far distance. A place which reminds us that “The God of glory thunders…And in His temple everything says, ‘Glory!'” Psalm 29:4.9
But, people? Are there those in this faulted world that can access that eternity? Those souls who are close to God just by virtue of grace? I believe so, and they are true gifts. Some are quite famous with powerful witness to Our Lord, such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta. But others are interspersed in the world, touching us gently like butterflies with reminders, encouragement and inspiration.
In my family we are so immensely blessed by the gift of our youngest child. Her gift is a peace of being, which reaches across and draws us into the interior life. I do believe her disability allows this quality to be unfiltered, while others in this world are apt to layer protective silos over their hearts. Madelyn has to trust those around her, and in her innocence, she doesn’t consider that she might need to push others away for self-protection. Madelyn’s gift is one we can all tap into – to trust in the Lord with all our might.
How does such a tiny person teach something so big? She does, because God is constantly turning everything upside down. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,
declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8-9) Madelyn reminds us of our priorities, to first and always be the authentic people we are created to be, to be sons and daughters of Christ.
Through the grace of the Holy Spirit we can all have this connection to a higher wisdom beyond our senses. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:12
Who would think that a child with a disability could teach such profound lessons and in such a simple manner? Yet, God has a way of turning human understanding upside down. We all need to be like children, to trust fully and embrace our Heavenly Father’s love. Then, we will be blessed with the grace to touch hearts and change the world!
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:12
