A new thing
And other little nuggets from this week
Hello from one of my favorite places on earth — the shore of Lake Tahoe! I’m up here this week with my family, working in a little boardroom with views of the lake (and my father, who is also WFT - Working from Tahoe.)
Three things I've stumbled across that have been food for thought for me this week and that I am excited to share with you:
First, I came across an article about a priest who just turned 100 and is celebrating his 75th year (!!) of ministry. I was struck by so much, but especially by the prayer he prays each morning:
Lord, what surprise do you have for me today? I hope it'll be a nice one that I'll love and enjoy. I never know, but I want to thank you for whatever happens today.
I think that's such a lovely prayer. The best things I've experienced in my life have all been surprises — and it’s beautiful to hear that this man, 100 years into his life, 75 into his ministry, is still experiencing the tender, personal, and lovely surprises from God! Why should we expect any less?
Second, I was listening to my beloved rosary podcast, specifically a recent episode about providence, and I was struck by the words of one of the hosts as she reflected on a few difficult situations. She said, "When I’m confused or unsure what’s next, I’ve learned to pray: Lord, I can't wait to see how this turns out well." What a beautiful prayer to pray! We know from Romans 8:28 that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. So why would we think that confusions or disappointments in our own life will turn out anything less than good in His benevolent hands?
Finally, at Mass on Thursday, the priest’s homily was exactly what I needed to hear. He was reflecting on the first reading, in which Sarai tells her husband Abraham to sleep with their servant, Hagar, because she is tired of waiting on the Lord for a baby. Well, Hagar has a baby and Sarai is hurt and angry and jealous and begins to abuse her. Hagar runs away, but returns after an angel instructs her to go home. The whole situation is m-e-s-s-y. But the priest reminded us: God writes straight with crooked lines. He is never outdone in generosity. And even in this story, the descendants of Hagar and eventually Sarai (who becomes Sarah) are more numerous than the stars in the sky, just as the Lord promised to Abraham. We think we are powerful enough to mess things up, but God always, gently, brings us back to Him and His plans. He takes our mistakes and shines His light into them to glorify them. He is never, ever outdone in His generosity.
I hope those reflections give you the same encouragement and consolation this week as they’ve provided me. I’m always grateful for little glimpses and reminders of His goodness.
Tomorrow marks the halfway point of 2025, and a solid 80%+ of what has happened this year was not on my bucket list. And that's beautiful! Because it means that God is still writing new stories and creating new experiences for me and for you. “Behold, I am doing a new thing, do you not perceive it?” Here's to the second half of 2025, and to all of the good, beautiful surprises the Lord has in store. I can’t wait to see how this turns out well ;)
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m loving lately
Let Jesus tell your story
I have sent this podcast to EVERYONE. It’s beautiful, and has led to some deep prayer about walking through parts of my own story with the Lord this week.
Sr. Jane strikes again
I attended the Thomistic Institute conference this weekend and my nerdy little heart was overjoyed. I was struck by so many things, but especially Sr. Jane Dominic Laurel's invitation — during a talk on Mystical Union with Christ, she asked us: "Have you experienced pain this year? I hope so. Has that pain led you to grow? I hope so. Pain is the touchstone of the spiritual life." Woah. How easy it is for me to throw little temper tantrums when things are different from what I expected, when I face pain I didn’t want, but how true it is that it’s when the Lord stretches our hearts that we are closest to Him, that we are most conformed to Him and His love.
I bought this in Australia and have used it nonstop since — especially for the past three weekends of travel. I’m obsessed — it works as a “personal item” on the plane and has the perfect amount of little pockets for my stuff. I have been buying knockoff versions of this for years, but they all broke quickly (and in inconvenient places, such as train platforms). This one is bionic. I’m a huge fan! (I got mine in Australia so it’s slightly different, but this one is pretty similar).
New mag-safe wallet
My iPhone exploded a couple of weeks ago (literally, the battery exploded through the screen. No bueno.) However!! It meant a new phone and a new case and a new, summery, gorgeous mag-safe wallet. I love that I can take it on and off, so my phone can be sleek but also carry all of my cards. The little Aperol Spritz and the tomatoes and the oranges are my 100% summer 2025 vibes. I bought it on Etsy!
Scenes from the lake!
To leave you with this week. Have a safe and blessed Fourth of July!
Prayer intentions
For a friend’s marriage
For two friends walking through breakups
For a special intention
So so good! Jane doesn’t miss 👏