Sometimes I think we get side tracked by painfull experiences, worries, stress, and other things. We may get focused on "getting ahead", or being critical of others.It is so easy to do. Especially in our culture.An example is that for threeyears I wanted to be a Team Leader.Even though I loved the people we serve, I was working as hard as I knew how so I could be a Team Leader.I was caught up in the getting ahead game.As it turned out I didn't get the job.I was very discouraged. Then I realized one of the reasons I wanted the job was so I would feel important! Talk about an eye opener!Boy, was I embarrased.Yet, it was a very good lesson .

My worth is not based on being a supervisor and getting a promotion.I forgot that my only purpose in life is to use the gifts God has given me and give the love which He has placed in my heart.To do that I needed to find out what gifts God gave me.I try things and then see if they fit and if it seems like it is something that has been given me. For example- I have just started writing poetry.I have found that I love it!It just seems to come very naturally and people seem to like it. Perhapes that is a gift I am supposed to use. It is all a process of descernment and prayer.

I am giving myself as an example but my hope is that you can relate to some of this and possibly find it helpful in your life.I believe prayer is essential!I had to get in touch with God inside me before I could see God in others, nature etc.You might want to develop a prayer style that fits for you. Even if it is only five minutes a day.I have found not only the love of God inside me , but how much God see's me as His beloved child.I use the masculine word for God, but please understand I realize God had no gender or form. There is no word that comes close to indentify God - but I have to put something.

Once I found I was God,s beloved daughter I quickly realized everyone is God's beloved son and daughter. That is a huge discovery. It makes a big difference how I treat others. If God is in me He is also in  everyone else.So, when I talk to someone or try and help someone I am helping Jesus. Mother Tersea always seemed to feel that way when she was trying to help the poor.

So- how does this relate to my title?If we are aware of the love inside us and others, if we use our gifts, if we realize that when we meet someone we are meeting Jesus our lives will be holy. But I have to add one of the most important things I want to say. EVERY life is holy! Every life.I wish you all the joy that God gives ,and please will you try with me to pass that joy on? Even with our weaknesses. Thank you.