Love Notes from Therese

Thoughts about love...

"The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness."

"We have merely to love Him, without looking at ourselves, without examining our faults too much."

"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."

"Merit does not consist in doing or giving much. It consists in loving much."

"Little things done out of love are those that charm the Heart of Christ… On the contrary, the most brilliant deeds, when done without love, are but nothingness."

"Be not afraid to tell Jesus that you love Him; even though it be without feeling, this is the way to oblige Him to help you, and carry you like a little child too feeble to walk."

"Trust and trust alone should lead us to love."

"It is love alone that counts."

...from St. Therese of Lisieux.

Love,
Mom

Not Invited

How awkward. You are surrounded by, and overhear, peers making plans...without you.

True charity consists in putting up with all one's neighbor's faults, never being surprised by his weakness, and being inspired by the least of his virtues.      St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Don't take it personally. Perhaps they don't know it is rude to discuss private matters in public. There's a lot of that going around, unfortunately. Or maybe they know exactly what they are doing. That is a poor reflection on them, not you. Either way, it is good to wish others happiness. With or without you.

Love,
Mom

An Urge to Scream

When I read this from Fr. Lovasik in Hidden Power of Kindness:

The saints were saints because they were cheerful when it was difficult to be cheerful, patient when it was difficult to be patient, silent when they wanted to speak, and agreeable when they felt an urge to scream.

I thought, yes, difficult work doesn't always look difficult and often goes unnoticed.

Many today are being encouraged to behave in angry, impatient, and loud-mouthed ways at the expense of their happiness and of those around them. They are, at times, also called brave for behaving in selfish, pushy, and dramatic (so, so, easy) ways. But bravery, by definition, is difficult.

Every time you are cheerful, patient, thoughtful, and agreeable, I'm impressed. Let's save our screams for baseball victories and lizards dangling from little boy's fingers.

Love,
Mom