The Discussion between Aidan and Mrs. Kershner

Just a couple days before Aidan’s accident, Mrs. Kershner was substituting in a class that Aidan was taking.  At the end of class, he called her over so he could talk with her.  During that conversation, he told her that he did not know exactly what he was going to do with his life, but he did know that his life was going to be focused on serving others.  He was committing himself to this overall theme no matter what the particulars might be.

From what Mrs. Kershner related, it was clear that Aidan was feeling called.  His discernment was still in process, still incomplete, but he was working through what his answer should be.  He was in the beginning stages of saying “yes” to what he was experiencing in his heart.  His call was not as dramatic as the Archangel Gabriel asking Mary to be the mother of Jesus, but what is?  Each of us, in some way or another, is being called by God to our own form of service right now.  It is important to remember that these calls never cease.  We are called continuously to follow God’s Will throughout our lives.  Every day includes another chance to say “yes” by making Jesus the center of our lives.

At St. Joe, every school year has a theme.  The year after Aidan’s accident, the year that the Aidan’s Masterpiece club was formed, the theme was:  Discover Your Gifts! 

Take time for a moment to acknowledge the many gifts in your life.  Concentrate on the idea that these gifts are blessings granted to you by a God that loves you utterly and completely.  Acknowledge that these gifts have responsibility associated with them.  You are free to choose how to deploy them, but you would do well to keep in mind their source.  Gifts take many shapes and forms.  God has reasons for giving you the specific ones He selected for you.  

Consider the possibility that the quality of your life will largely be determined by how you choose to employ your gifts.  If they are used in harmony with the Will of God, you are likely to experience His Peace.  If they are utilized otherwise, you are likely to experience unease and uncertainty.  You cannot escape or hide from His Will.  If you diverge from it, He will continually call you back and you will never feel settled until you come around.  

As you enter the scene of Mary’s encounter with Gabriel, be thinking about how God might be calling you to your own particular task in His Creation.  

What is the best use for the graces He has bestowed upon you?