Daily Devotion

Katie Zink

Prayer of St Teresa of Avila

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

Inspired by GSLC’s Contemplative Meditation course, my good friend passed on a meditative version of this prayer (via Insight Timer app). Our version also includes the phrase “May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be, in this moment.”

This phrase stopped me in my tracks, mid-March 2020. While many were beginning to hunker down in Cincinnati and elsewhere, we were in Mid-Beach Miami, having moved to Plan B following a canceled cruise with our extended family. 

“May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be, in this moment.” Here, now, 1000 miles away… Questioning how we’d ever get home; with everything changing so fast?! 

I found myself deeply reflecting on all those around me – probably because we were traveling, and in many cases, upon whose services I was relying – and all the intense sociological & economic hardship to come. No restaurants, no travel? But what about those who make their living on services & tourism. Shelter in place? But what about those for whom there is no place.

This past fall, through God’s Grace Your Hands we became connected with St. Francis Seraph Ministries in OTR. When the pandemic hit, the team at SFS immediately switched to a take-out model for their meal service, sending out a call for volunteers (especially because many regulars are in higher risk categories). Now back in Cincinnati, we immediately jumped in to serve. With more flexible work and no activities, we had more time on our hands than ever. Ron and I would go together, or bring one of the girls, often twice a week through spring. In contrast to an ever-present downward spiral of fear, anxiety and despair; this was one place where we could make real connections and feel a sense of purpose and belonging.   

Did I hesitate a bit, walking past all the people on the streets? Of course. Would I be judged for leaving the safety of my home during the lockdown? Maybe. But great things happen when we put possibility ahead of fear. What is courage? Is it the absence of fear? No. It is acting anyway. 

1 comments on article "Daily Devotion"

Danelle Buelsing

Katie, the St. Theresa of Avila prayer is comforting, and I love how the meditation has been so relevant to you during the pandemic. I am inspired by your courage and call to action, and delighted to share in your faith journey!

9/30/2020 5:01 PM

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