Day 12
The Lord Will Provide
Reflection By: Luanne Roth

It was January, 1996 and I was returning to work as V.P. Municipal Bond Securities at ABN-AMRO after a three month maternity leave. Jim and I were now the proud parents of two boys and one girl, working big jobs with long hours, trying to juggle the responsibilities of home, work, family and friends. I thought I would re-enter the workforce seamlessly-my daycare provider was wonderful and a close friend, I enjoyed my fast-paced job ( and its paycheck), the kids were healthy and happy.

Why then as I departed that commuter train and fell into step with the hundreds of others heading to jobs in Chicago did I feel a kind of vertigo, a literal sense of imbalance as I put one foot in front of the other? I couldn't stop thinking about that little first-grader, precious preschooler, and bundle of baby I had just left in another's care so that I could pursue my career and its rewards. After talking with Jim that night, I met with my boss (a Christian man and father of six) who supported and encouraged me in my decision to resign and become a full-time mom. It was clear to me that God was asking me to sacrifice my career for a greater calling: motherhood. As this day's reflection states, I had to "let my ego die, to believe there is One who knows better than you what you need in life."

God knew I would need good Christian friends to journey alongside me through the day to day. He provided those people along with a new mission: to create the St. Raphael's CREEDS bible study program now in its fifth year. God gifted Jim and I with a third son in 1998, and He has provided new challenges, opportunities, and rewards (that have nothing to do with a paycheck) whenever I've sought His will instead of my own.

A New York Fire Department Chaplain (and Catholic priest) was the first victim of the September 11, 2001 tragedies. He carried the following prayer in his pocket; may it help you and me to follow God's will each day, to say with confidence, "the Lord will provide." Gen. 22:14

"Lord, take me where you want me to go today.
Let me meet who you want me to meet.
Let me say what you want me to say.
And keep me out of your way!"