When we lose something—or think we’ve lost it—we treasure it that much more.

What a wonder that our infinitely loving and all-powerful God is ready to encounter us, whether as Father, Son, or Holy Spirit.

How wonderful it is to realize that what seems impossible might actually be possible—whether through divine intervention or by picking up the pieces every day and taking another step on the journey of life.

We are born with hearts that are designed to love. We are created to be members of families and communities. We are intended to be neighbors—and not just to the people we know and love, but to everyone.

God always provides what we need. He gives us the strength and the creativity and even the companions to handle those surprise situations – and even at the most difficult times, he accompanies us.

Those questions were echoing in my mind as I watched children walking back to their seats after receiving Communion. They were beaming, full of light and love and hope and sacramental grace.

Back when I was just a few weeks from my high school graduation, our family dog got into a fight with a raccoon in our yard.

The other morning, I woke up and said to my husband, “Won’t it be great for us to have dinner tonight, all four of us together?” Then I looked at my calendar and realized we had a concert that evening.

As I was approaching an intersection, I heard an ambulance coming from the right. I stopped to let it go by. While I waited for the ambulance to pass, I felt something hit my car from behind.

She was one of the people who showed me how to live a faith-filled life – and how to do it with love, understanding and compassion.