Father Simone’s Word of the Week

Are you the kind of person who “shows their cards” or “keeps them close to your chest”?  To whom do you show them to?  All the cards or do you choose which?  I played a game of chess with my nephew Anthony last year. (Same idea)  He was 11 at the time, but far more intelligent than I was at his age.  I’m rusty at chess, but I did have 30 years on him.  I’m not competitive, but if we play a game, I play to win.  As the game progressed, we were “all business.”  However, I saw him getting worked- up.  All the while, Anthony’s dad, my brother Steve, was watching over his son’s game.  Steve, seeing his son’s distress, stopped him from making one move and told him a better one.  I said “HEY!” like a child.  Anthony would occasionally look at his dad for silent guidance.  You should have seen his eyes light up and that smile emerge when I made the wrong move.  It wasn’t long before he had me in a corner and took my king.  I was happy my nephew took the win.  The Lord too knew he needed that joyful boost of confidence.  Do we look to the Lord when the pressure is on, like Anthony looked to dad?  Do we trust he sees where we’re at and ten steps ahead?  Or are we too fixated on each piece to look up?  Do we agonize over each move, each decision, each outcome before we get there?  And if we think He is prompting us in one direction or holding us back from another, are we that child that tells dad “I can do it.”?  Do we trust our own hand more than his?  In other words, do we trust Jesus with what we have to do?  Do we look to Him when we don’t know what to do?  Are we willing to be led and will we willingly follow His lead?  If we clench our cards to our chest, He won’t force His help. 
 
It takes a childlike trust.  Thus there is a grown-up temptation called “pride” to “feel” He is in competition with our control and our game-plan.  The cards against our chest or the pieces in our hands must be willingly shown.  Do we want to be shown what to do?  He knows what thoughts are true to hold onto, or thoughts that should be let go.  Should I act on this, or not?  Should I make that call or send that message, or not?  When?  This decision or conversation feels necessary, but am I forcing it?  If now is right, help me do it.  Give me the words.  Facing our fears, He helps us move forward.  Embracing patience, He holds us still.  May we be the child who wants to be told what to do, one move at a time.  And when we don’t know what to do, feel distressed and overwhelmed, may we look to Mary.  Just remaining still, she gives us comfort, holds us, directs us in her arms, makes us smile and know as a child “I’m ok.”