August 2013
Associate Update
Reflective Moments Moments Reflective
Page 5
In Weakness We are Made Strong By Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU
As I am writing this reflection I am living in Saint Joseph Villa, our motherhouse infirmary, while I recuperate from an allergic reaction to medication that I took for atrial fibrillation. As I thought about a topic I recalled Saint Paul’s words to the Corinthians when he told them that in weakness we are made strong. Most of us do not like our weaknesses – physical or otherwise. I don’t like mine. I especially don’t like the one I am experiencing now. It is not easy for me to receive. I’d rather give. I’m not used to being cared for – I’d rather be the caregiver. During this time I have been cared for in a very special way. I am so grateful. I have reflected a lot on what I have learned from this experience. One of the things I have learned is that I
cannot always be in control. I must surrender that control to God. I must admit that as my body ages I can no longer do what I once did. I can no longer be who I once was. Hopefully, I am a stronger, deeper person interiorly as I let go of the strength I once had exteriorly. God is teaching me through this experience to be more open to the goodness of others. Through the goodness of others, the goodness and beauty of God has become more vivid. Maybe God even delights in this weakness of mine because I keep struggling to allow God to make me into the person God wants me to be, not who I would like to become. I can’t fix my atrial fibrillation and all the implications that has for me but I can learn to rely on God who loves me – and each of us – more than we can imagine.
Reflection: When has God used your weakness to make you strong? Express your gratitude to God in whatever way you wish. • Read Saint Paul’s Letter: 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 Join us as we pray for one another! Send your prayer requests for friends and loved ones to the Email Prayer Network. Write the Ursuline Partnerships office, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356 • Call 270-229-2006 • Email associates.msj@maplemount.org • www.ursulinesmsj.org
Y-DOSA spreads some cheer, readies for Centennial
Loving and Giving ...
Dear Associates, Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, “You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.” This short sentence is certainly something all of us can think about as we go about our daily work or other activities. While attending a meeting in San Diego a number of years ago, a group decided to cross over into Mexico for an afternoon. As we went through the customs gates, we were confronted with children asking us to buy things from them. They couldn’t have been more than 4 or 5 years old. One child was selling Chiclets while the mother was taking care of a baby who was lying in a cardboard box covered with a dirty blanket. We all gave something to those children even though we had been told we shouldn’t. We didn’t have a relationship with them nor did we love them, but we gave to them because of their need or the need of the people who were making them sell the candy. We gave without loving. As we prepare for the 43rd annual picnic for the retired sisters in September, we realize every day how much our retired sisters are loved. Many of you come to help us before, during and after the picnic. You help us sell tickets, bake cakes and bring items for the booths. You give in so many ways and we feel your love and care. Your support as associates and coworkers truly is a sign of the love Jesus showed to all as He shared the Good News. Thank you for your love, concern, hard work and continued support. We love you, too. We hope to see you in September. Sincerely,
Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU
Director of Development, Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Sister Marie Bosco Wathen laughs with Grace Dant, the daughter of employee Whitney Dant. Sister Marie Brenda Vowels smiles in the background. Residents and staff of Saint Joseph Villa enjoyed a “Day at the Beach” on May 14 as part of a Long Term Care Week celebration.