Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious
Looking back to my “growing up” years, school lessons came relatively easily to me. I didn’t have a desire to excel at sports. I was well-liked, had a good home and many friends.
When it was time to take the exam for my driver’s license, there was no doubt in my mind that I would pass. I didn’t fail at things. But, situated between those bright orange cones with an officer in the passenger seat, I hit one cone and then another. I had failed, and I would have to try again on another date.
I remember sobbing all the way home and my dad being only mildly sympathetic, probably seeing (the same thing I can now) that it was a good time for me to learn about humility and my own fallibility.
In today’s first reading, we read in 2 Corinthians about how our weaknesses allow Christ to dwell within us, “for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
While that verse wouldn’t have been much salve to my 16-year-old self at the time, I’m reflective today about where it’s still hard for my 37-year-old self to hear. Where are the areas of my life that I’m weak and so rely on God more heavily? Where can I lay down some of the burden of striving for perfection, knowing that my team and family need to see my weakness – and that God can be glorified in that work?
Thank you, God, for weaknesses and constraints that help me to exercise my creativity and lean into being a co-creator with you in every part of my life.
—Meghann Naveau