Called to Love

Editor's Note: Today, we welcome new contributor Theresa Scibelli to CatholicMom.com. A wife, mother and grandmother, Theresa resides with her family in Florida and will be sharing her work with us monthly. LMH

I feel like I have been walking in a heavy fog since I lost my job a year ago,. Unfortunately I developed bilateral carpal tunnel, had surgery on both hands, but was advised by the surgeon that I needed to find a new "occupation” as the repetitive pinching motion I had put my hands through could no longer continue. Although, I knew this to be true, I also knew the timing was not the best as far as the economy went. I need an income and a purpose to my life. I need something to contribute.

I’ve had plenty of time to ponder what I’m good at and what I would love to do even as I have applied for numerous positions. It has been a mind-boggling and somewhat depressing experience. Last Sunday I purchased an audio cd on the way out of church. The subject was about relationships. In the course of listening, the author spoke about marriage and raising children. I am blessed to be married 37 years and equally blessed with four adult children and six grandchildren.

The author mentioned that some couples focus on raising their children to such a degree that it becomes the main purpose of their marriage. Sadly, when the children are grown, some of these married couples realize they have nothing else in common and hence they divorce or grow apart. The author suggests we need a “common purpose” that does not change, not just “something in common”. The world is ever-changing and so are we. We need a common purpose in life that doesn’t change.

The purpose is love. Called to love! That was just what I needed to hear. I can do that!

“Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law”. Romans 13:8

Love never ends. Now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

My kids are grown, I’m out of work and confused about what I can contribute to a company, and what I should even consider at this stage of my life. So, what is my purpose? To continue to follow God’s commandments. To love God and love my neighbors as I love myself. God will take care of the rest!

Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light. Matthew 11:28-30