Recently at the 4th day encounter, we were asked what recent blessing in our life, we are most thankful for; or at least that’s the question that I heard. It was posed to the 100 plus crowd as a general question intended to be answered in an “open mic.” fashion. This is what I shared.
I’m thankful for how well my mother is doing after the recent passing of my dad. It is clearly her faith that gives her the strength to smile and be positive when I know she is very sad and lonely. It is the grace of God that allows her to see past the grief and realize that there are happy moments that need to be lived. She’s been living them to the best of her ability. I’m proud of her, and thankful to God.
About 13 years ago I came back to active participation in the faith. Having spent the better part of my adult life at the time ignoring God’s call, I was worried that I had missed my opportunity to make a true impact in the life of my older kids. I prayed about that fear and asked for God’s help.
Yesterday, our 24-year-old daughter, who incidentally is a newlywed; texted us asking if we knew where there was an adoration chapel open that she could go to. We asked her, “Why, what’s wrong”? Her answer was, “Nothing, I just want to go to adoration. If you think something needs to be wrong for me to go; I must need to go more often”.
A couple of days prior to that, our 21-year-old daughter asked us if we would like to join her and her boyfriend in the Bible study that’s currently going on here at St. Mikes. Obviously we said yes. Her boyfriend is currently enrolled in RCIA; almost completely due to her evangelizing him. We hear them talking regularly about matters of faith.
Our 17-year-old son, who was confirmed last spring is currently a table leader for the kids that will be confirmed at St. Mike’s in the coming year. He willingly attends Catholic Heart Work camp and the March For Life.
This is what I’m most thankful for: a God that not only answers my prayers, but He answers my prayers so far beyond what I had asked for that it brings me to tears.
Rick Kroyer
St. Michael’s, Prior Lake
