It was a cold February morning, and I had to drag myself to a mandatory “immersion day” for my newly declared major. I was not thrilled about having to listen to people talk about how they were using their Catechetics degrees for six hours; I wanted to catch up on sleep and homework. Still, I went and found myself listening to a woman speak about her decade of experience teaching high school theology. I walked out of that room grateful; hearing her speak had made the whole day worthwhile. In fact, I remember little from this day besides my sense of awe from this moment. I vividly remember thinking, Wow, this woman sounds like an amazing teacher. I wish I could be a teacher like that. I wish I could teach at a school like that, subconsciously resolving it could never be so.
Nevertheless, I was inspired. For the next three years, I poured everything into my studies. It was a time of great intimacy and seclusion with the Lord as my days were literally filled to the brim with theological efforts. No matter how much I poured myself into my studies, I received more and more from Him. My heart fell deeper and deeper in love with the God I was learning about, amazed at every ounce of His goodness and mercy.
Then, the summer before my senior year, “the woman” was hired to teach at the university. Immediately, I enrolled in her class for the upcoming semester. The experience was everything I hoped it would be; she was a wealth of educational passion and I soaked up any insight she had to give. Near the close of the semester, she caught me at the end of the day. “My previous employer may have a position opening up, and I’d like to recommend you for it if you are interested,” she said. My heart stopped. My memories swelled, surfacing my thoughts from the first time I heard the woman speak. I could feel God’s grace and delight as He pressed on my heart. The job was a gift from Him, a response to a moment of prayer, and years of secluded intimacy with Him.
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Closing Prayer //
Lord, You transform everything. We give You our doubts and our desires, entrusting them to Your will, knowing with certainty that You will rid us of whichever one is not of You. Grant us the grace to hear You and receive Your Will for us with resounding joy. Amen.
Reflection Questions //
Has God ever used another individual to help you experience His love profoundly? What was that like?
Remember a time from your life when something initially seemed negative, but ended up being a positive experience for you. Did you sense God’s hand in the situation? Did the situation feel “tailored” to you?
Grace Bellon is a wife, mom, and high school theology teacher who has spent years walking with young people as they wrestle with faith, identity, and the ache for something more. She writes from the heart of a classroom, the hustle of family life, and the quiet corners where the Lord speaks most tenderly. She believes in miracles, mercy, and the delicate art of balancing home-cooked meals with takeout nights. Her sweetest joys are found in the company of one man who keeps her coffee cup full, her children who keep her laundry baskets fuller, and the Eucharist which fills her heart and soul.
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