"Keep your heart in peace and let nothing trouble you, not even your faults. You must humble yourself and amend them peacefully, without being discouraged or cast down, for God's dwelling is in peace."
- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
God Works in Wondrous Ways
By Sharon O'Brien, Assistant to the Head of School
I am sure there are many of us who have days when we wonder how we are going to get through all that we have planned. I tend to do that a lot, especially on weekends when I am trying to catch up on many errands. Back in October of 2017, when everything in my life seemed to be going along fine, I found myself having fallen in a parking lot. I had no idea what happened to me, but my guardian angels were there with me as a kind passersby helped me up off the ground and somehow got me to the door of my car.
It took a couple of days before I finally met with an orthopedic surgeon and he gave me the bad news that I had seriously damaged my knee cap and would be out of work and could not drive for two months. The news to me at the time was overwhelming.
It was difficult for me, wearing a huge leg brace and having a terrible time getting around the house. This was not a good time for me to slow down; I had just sold my home and had much to do to move out. I felt overwhelmed and did not know where to begin. Fortunately, my family decided to take over cleaning out the attic, bedroom furniture, closets, etc. I will never know how it all was completed.
God works in wondrous ways and must have had a reason to make me slow down. Maybe he thought I was doing too much and needed me to concentrate and prioritize on what absolutely had to be done. I may have been going in too many directions and not accomplishing much in the process. I was not taking time for myself and nor doing anything well. He may have also wanted me to realize how lucky I was to have such a wonderful family and dear friends.
I will never forget the kindness and consideration from everyone at Visitation which helped me through my disability. Their prayers, good wishes, and positive support gave me strength and hope. This accident brought about my understanding of slowing down and taking a few minutes to reflect on all the blessings God has provided me.
Prayer of St. Francis de Sales
Lord, I am yours, and I must belong to no one but you.
My soul is yours and must live only by you.
My will is yours, and must love only for you.
I must love you as my first cause, since I am from you.
I must love you as my end and rest, since I am for you.
I must love you more than my own being, since my being subsists by you.
I must love you more than myself, since I am all yours and all in you.
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Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School
1524 Thirty-fifth Street NW • Washington, DC 20007 • 202.337.3350
Special thanks to Cecilia Kane '16 for the banner photo.