The Lady With The Lamp

Today we commemorate Florence Nightingale. She is absolutely fascinating from so many different perspectives, a definite force to be reckoned with. At age 16 she wrote in her diary "On February 7th, 1837, God spoke to me and called me to his service."

Yesterday we commemorated Claire of Assisi who at age 18 was asked to lead as Superior and said no until she turned 21.

Both women at a young age heard God, listened to Him and devoted their lives to prayer, tending the sick and changing the world. I don't believe either of them knew they were changing the world through their small acts of mercy. I believe they saw hurt and suffering and waste and they fought to change what they saw. They had hope and they had mercy and they served grace.

They both did all these things in centuries where women had no true voice, they fought to have their voice heard. Boldness proclaimed by humbleness. We have a lot to learn from them.

You may never know the future effects of your acts of mercy - don't let that stop you! Everyday you have a moment that you can change the world, one person, one act of service at a time. Try to notice the moment today. It could be as simple as looking someone in the eye, really looking at them when you speak, when they speak. When was the last time you actually looked at someone and really saw them? Not just spoke at them, not just preoccupied with 100 other thoughts while they spoke to you. It could be the cashier who rings up your groceries, the waiter who asks you for your order, the person holding the door open for you, or the person getting out of the car next to you. Do you even see them? I wonder if it could even be your family? You spend your whole day striving for your family - earning money for them, serving them through laundry, meals, activities, entertainment, praying for them. But when was the last time you looked at one of your family members and talked to them, looked into their eyes and heard them? Not just their words, but their meaning, their need to be heard, to be loved. We fill this world with our voices but how much listening do we actually do?

To hear God you must practice the art of silence and the art of listening. Practicing the skill with your family and your neighbor is a great place to start.

Blessings on your conversations today, Holly