Trust Me! I’ve Got This!

Being over-zealous to find community when I first moved to Frisco, TX, I sought out ways to get involved at my church. I sent emails and made calls. I even sent a letter to the new pastor in hopes to meet with him for a few minutes to not only find out about him, but for him to know me and the great joy I have in serving God. Those efforts didn’t fall into place as I had expected, so I took matters in my own hands and started volunteering and getting involved in several ministry areas at the church. But, I never had the occasion to meet with Fr Rudy.

Here’s how God taught me yet another lesson – for my own good. At the retreat I attended this weekend, it was a joy to have our new pastor, Fr Rudy, with us much of the time. One of the sweetest moments, for me, was when Fr Rudy came into the dining room, got his food and set right beside me. It was just the two of us for a few minutes -- the minutes I had hoped to have had when I sent that first email. We found that we had places and friends in common, and such great conversation was had in those few minutes. When others joined us at the table, questions were asked of him, that we all gleaned from his responses. Once again, loud and clear, I could almost see God with his hands cupped around his mouth, and belting out to me….”Donna, trust ME. I’ve told you, time and again, ‘I’ve got this!’” I got His message. When will I stop trying to open doors that are unnecessary to open? God opens the right doors at the right time, when I let go and let God.

One of our mutual friends is Bishop Dan Mueggenborg (hereafter referred to as "M" for sake of brevity), who formerly pastored in Tulsa at Christ the King Church, but is now in Seattle. I shared this story with Fr Rudy. Bishop "M" holds a special place in my heart. Before his pastorate at CTK, he served a six-year appointment to the Vatican in Rome. That's how Fr Rudy knew him as he attended North American College where Bishop "M" was on the faculty. So, when my husband and I went to Rome on our 40th Anniversary, Bishop "M" was so gracious to give us a grand tour of the college, the city and we enjoyed an authentic Italian meal at one of his favorite restaurants. Fr Rudy knew exactly which restaurant that was.

One of my fondest memories of Bishop "M" was his story about his visit with Mother Teresa. On one of her visits to Rome, he had a private breakfast with her. He was so humbled to be in her presence, and before their time together ended, he asked: "I really want to have a memory treasure of this time with you. Would you please sign this prayer card for me?" And, she graciously did, and to push the envelope a little further, he asked if she'd sign a second one for a fellow priest who loved Mother Teresa and followed her ministries. She signed the second card. Bishop "M" framed his card (shown here) that was signed "God bless you, Mother Teresa". And he mailed the other signed card to his priest friend. He waited to hear back from his friend, but never did. Later, he went to see his friend and asked if he had received the prayer card. His friend said, "Yes, I did, but I already had one." Bishop "M" asked "You had a signed original?" His friend said. "No, not an original. You know they make hundreds of those cards. They're just reprinted, so I threw it away since I already had one." Bishop Dan exclaimed, "You THREW IT AWAY? I was with Mother Teresa and she signed that treasure that you threw away!"

Bishop "M" went on to compare that precious treasure of being thrown away to how callously and carelessly we often dismiss Christ and His trust-worthiness in our lives. We dismiss the gifts He's given to us. We discount His presence in and with us.

I remembered this story as I sat with Fr Rudy and when I heard God tell me “Trust Me!” I sincerely desire to live with all-out trust in Him and not take matters into my own hands. He's the REAL deal! I believe in Him. He is the ONE Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God. And, the desire He has for our relationship? For me to trust Him more; to love Him more; to let go of my GOOD ideas and trust in His GOD ideas that are always on time – His time -- every time.