I am Standing on the Shoulders

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I am standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me 
I am honored by their passion for our liberty 
I will stand a little taller, I will work a little longer 
And my shoulders will be there to hold the ones who follow me

 

A few years ago, I would have never have imagined being alive today to see the many challenges of almost these two years.  However, I can still categorically say that I am filled with deep gratitude for the many things in my life, especially for life itself, good health, family, sisters, and friends.  Things and people that I may have previously taken for granted.  

 

The chorus of the above song by Joyce Johnson Rouse,  aka “Earth Mama,” beautifully describes the gratitude that I feel for the ones who  have gone before me.  I know that I am alive and well at this challenging time in life for a reason and for a purpose.  I am here to have life and to live it to the fullest.  I am to learn from the ones who have gone before me and to make a difference wherever I am.  I am here for a purpose and by the grace of God I am living out my purpose as a child of God, as a daughter, as a sister, as a religious sister, as a friend and in so many other different ways.  I thank God, because it is because of God and them that I am becoming who I was created to be.

 

As we celebrate one hundred and seventy-five years as the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa congregation, I pay tribute to the many sisters who have paved the way for me to embrace and live out my baptismal promises and my vows as a religious sister today. They lift me higher than I could ever fly carrying my burdens away I imagine our world if they hadn’t tried, I wouldn’t be so very blessed today.  I am indeed blessed to be here today and living out what that means daily with great persons in my life.

 

Meister Eckhart, a great Dominican said that “If the only prayer you said was thank you that would be enough.”  

Thank you!

 

What are some of the things that you’re grateful for today?

 

Sr. Lystra Long, OP

St. Joseph, Trinidad & Tobago

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