Give time to God every day

We have heard about the wildfires in Australia, and the world-wide pandemic, but are we aware of the modern plague of locusts in Africa? The Australian wildfires started in September of 2019, the coronavirus started in December of 2019, and the locusts attacked Africa in January of 2020.

Could the wildfires be a sign of God holding back the rain? Is the pandemic something God sent upon us and did God send the locusts to eat up the crops? Do we look at these occurrences as people of faith?

I believe that God has given us a clear sign: We must surrender ourselves to him and look to him for guidance, especially during this time of the coronavirus pandemic. There has to be a reason why we are confronted with this suffering. God never wants to hurt us. Throughout each of our lives, from the Hebrew Scriptures to now, God wants to teach and lead us. We know that Jesus came to show us God’s love. We, like the Israelites of old, need to listen to God’s voice.

Whenever something bad happens to me I ask, “What is God trying to teach me?”  Reflecting about all that is happening, I ask, “What is God trying to teach us now?”

I know I’m not just speaking for myself when I say that I felt like I was going 2,000 mph before all of this happened. I was going from 6 in the morning to 11 at night, and in between all those hours was a mix of school, softball, soccer and homework. However, there was one thing missing from my list: “GOD.” I am ashamed to say it but the only time I was truly devoting myself to God was on the weekends either in church or in confirmation class. Now I have learned that I must give some of my time to God every day.

These days I’ve spent time with God in prayer, asking God for forgiveness of my sins, or just talking to God and sharing how my day’s going. I’ve also learned that one day, when everything goes back to normal and I feel like there’s no time for God, that I must make time. 

During this time of feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and like we’re going to lose our minds, it helps to remember that God is here for us. God is here to relieve our stress, calm our overwhelmed hearts, lift any weight off our shoulders and make us feel sane again. God is the light at the end of what feels like a truly dark tunnel which we are all passing through. And it is important that we hold onto that light and truly cherish it. 

I tried to come to grips with the terrible pain that surrounds us and I’ve learned that this suffering has helped us to grow. Ours is a united compassion for those who are suffering, and we want to do our part. So many have volunteered to help those without jobs, our first responders have been absolute heroes and our teachers have stepped up so that we have the best learning at home possible. Our teens have reached out in simple ways too, by walking, biking or running for Charity Miles, where proceeds from our exercise go to help a charity of our choice. I have learned that with suffering, there comes an immense amount of pain, but there also comes love, unity, and hope. 

Junior year is usually the most stressful year of high school, but it ended up turning into a pretty easy year. This came at a cost, however. I lost my junior year of softball season and most likely my last travel soccer season. I do not have the ability to see my friends, I will not have a Junior Prom or the rest of my school year. 

My point is not to show everything I’ve lost but to share everything I’ve gained and I’m grateful for. I’ve gained a better relationship with God, myself and my family. I’m grateful that both my parents are still getting paid and still have their jobs, I’m grateful that my entire family is still healthy, I’m grateful that I still have a roof over my head and food on my table, and I’m grateful for so much more. I have tried to listen to God, and I believe this is what God wanted me to learn.

My confirmation was supposed to take place on April 24, however, like so many important milestones, it has been postponed. This truly broke my heart because ever since my First Communion, I had always dreamed of being confirmed and finally taking that huge step in my faith.  In 10th grade, I suffered numerous athletic injuries which began to take a toll on my athletic mental attitude and health. This was a very tough time for me and at the hardest times, I knew God was right there with me. I could feel God’s presence. I know that God has a plan for all of us and I know that my sufferings of last year, in a way, prepared me for the sufferings of today.

As I look forward to embracing my faith at confirmation, I invite you, the reader to also embrace your faith, in good times, as well as in the difficult sufferings of life. I hope that like me, you too will listen to God in your circumstances and try to learn what God is asking of you. Join me in praying for your neighbors, your family, for those in your church community, and for those who have no one else praying for them. I will be sure to pray for God’s protective care for you and for your families.

May God bless you all and may God continue to protect you throughout this pandemic. May God show us the LIGHT of the Risen Christ at the end of this dark tunnel. May God keep you all safe, happy, and healthy. Amen.

Kyra McCarthy attends St. Madeleine Sophie Parish and is a junior at Mohonasen High School.