I knew You would do it!!

How do you respond to God's gifts?

I worked as a party princess the summer between my first and second years of college. Dressed as Queen Elsa, I spent my weekends at little girls' birthday parties, singing Let It Go more times than I can count and eating far too many blue cupcakes. I loved that job—singing with the kids, painting their faces, and performing little magic tricks. But my favorite moment was always the arrival.

The birthday girls—usually four, five, or six years old—were beyond excited to see Queen Elsa. Some knew I was coming, while others had no idea. I’ll never forget one party where my arrival was a surprise. As I walked up to the front door, the birthday girl ran straight to me, grabbed my hand, and gasped, “Elsa! I knew you would come!”

Her complete joy, trust, and confidence that her favorite princess (or Queen) would never miss her birthday party moved me to tears. As she led me around her home, introducing me to her friends, I felt so honored by her trust.

Last Sunday’s Gospel was about the call of St. Peter. Jesus asks Peter to put out into deep water and let down his nets. Peter, exhausted from a fruitless night of fishing, hesitates—but obeys. Suddenly, the nets overflow with so many fish that their boats nearly sink. In awe, Peter falls to his knees: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

Peter’s response is one of humility, reverence, and the realization of his own unworthiness. He sees the vastness of the Lord, a man he is only beginning to know. It’s a good response.

But when God pours out His goodness in my life, I find that my response is often like that little girl at the party. Whenever He surprises me with His providence, I grab His hand and say, Jesus! I knew You would do it! It’s childlike, hopeful, celebratory, and trusting. And when He does big things (and He’s always doing something), it’s as if I forget all the waiting, all the suffering that led to that moment—because I can finally see that He was moving all along.

How do you respond when the Lord pours out His goodness in your life? Are you cautious, waiting for the other shoe to drop? Are you like Peter, overwhelmed by your unworthiness? Or are you like me—joyful and childlike?

There’s no right answer. In different seasons, we respond in different ways. But it’s a good question to ask yourself—and maybe even to pray about this week.

In Christ,

Jane

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What I’m loving lately

New kitchen tiles!

• I put these renter-friendly yellow subway tiles up in my kitchen and I am OBSESSED! So pretty, so fun, so bright. It took a couple of hours and cost about $80 for the tiles (you can find them here, I used three packs).

A new favorite song from Natalie Layne

This one hits soooo good. It’s gorgeous and has been on earworm loop for a week.

Some good words from Pope Benedict XVI:

• Are we not perhaps all afraid in some way? If we let Christ enter fully into our lives, if we open ourselves totally to him, are we not afraid that He might take something away from us? Are we not perhaps afraid to give up something significant, something unique, something that makes life so beautiful? No! If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything.

Snow runs

This was my first snow run… ever! It was so fun to plod along in the beautiful fresh snow last week with some friends. What a delightful time!

Welcome to Substack :)

• I’m so grateful for the positive feedback on the substack swap, and for those of you who submitted pledges to support financially 🥲 I am so grateful. I’m going to launch our chat soon which could be a fun place to share more casual updates. Stay tuned! And also, you can find every single past newsletter here:

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Prayer intentions

• For Pope Francis’ health

• For a friend

• For protection for the vulnerable in these winter storms