Today's society is inundated with messengers of all kinds. Most are assertive and deliberate in their words and actions. Sometimes the loudest voices get the most attention for messages that might not even be best for our soul's well-being. St. Joseph was a quiet, trusting and humble soul who stood in the shadows. He was chosen to be a messenger for us to teach us about virtues that are lasting, but he spoke rarely. Sometimes contemplative actions carry more meaning. If only we remain quietly disposed to receive them will we learn the lessons intended for our souls.

Sometimes there are miracles in the mess. The Mother of God was called to do the impossible. She gave her Father her "yes" without conditions. She pondered many things in her heart and remained patient and obedient. We are called to feel inspired by her walk when our lives are messy, cluttered and confusing. Our lives are unpredictable, but having a relationship with God as Mary did---offers the inner peace that she had. She lived to see the miracles of her Son's works--she trusted and we should do more of that too.

Living in the present is the opposite of how most of us have been conditioned to plan out our future lives.

“Almsgiving doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or a big check. We can invite God into these decisions and petition Him in daily prayer to put us on the path with someone or something that needs our attention. He will act in us.” (The Compass Club, pg. 86)