Recently at Voyage, we’ve been exploring what it means to Live a Heroic Life and how our we are part of a much bigger plan than we could possibly imagine.
A key reminder that we all need to recall is the reality that we are not made for this world. This is not our home.
Sometimes we can become disappointed with our lives on earth and even question whether or not it is all worth it in the end.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux would on occasion have such thoughts, but there was one phrase that kept her heart focused on God.
She writes, “It is true that in these periods of loneliness I sometimes felt sad, and I used often to console myself by repeating this line of a beautiful poem Papa had taught me: “The world is thy ship, not thy home.'”
She continues, “[T]he symbol of a ship always delights me and helps me to bear the exile of this life… When my thoughts run on in this way, my soul loses itself as it were in the infinite; I seem already to touch the Heavenly Shore and to receive Our Lord’s embrace. I fancy I can see Our Blessed Lady coming to meet me, with my Father and Mother, my little brothers and sisters; and I picture myself enjoying true family joys for all eternity.”
Life can be difficult and at times it can seem like the waves are crashing all around us, sinking us down into the depths of despair.
The good news is that we are not alone, and like St. Peter, all we have to do is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus in the midst of the storm.
When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he started to sink.
This is one of the reasons why we believe we need constant reminders, little lights along the way that bolster us and show us the ultimate goal of life.
Sometimes getting out of bed in the morning is the heroic thing to do, embracing the many sufferings and trials we have, knowing that God is right there at our side.
Later this month we’ll be celebrating our 8th anniversary on the feast of Our Lady, Star of the Sea. For us she is that beacon of hope, leading us to her Son.
If we can simply keep our eyes on Mary and her Son, we’ll be able to “bear the exile of this life.”
Life isn’t easy, but with God, all things are possible.
