I know what your’re thinking. How in the world did she end up at a dinner with nuns? Well, to answer that question you must know something about me. I am completely in love with people. The real stories, lives, thoughts and adventures of others quite intrigue me. So most recently it was no surprise to me that I found myself surrounded by 50 Benedictine Nuns. Of course, this was all do to a recent question I had asked God in a late night prayer. It was a simple prayer and yet only one week later I found myself sitting in Our Lady of Grace Monastery. Oh, by the way are you wondering what I asked God for? Wisdom.
It was a Friday evening a few weeks ago. Close to five o’clock I believe. Yes, it was. I remember now we were about to close the office when my last patient came to pick up her glasses. By the way I’m a licensed optician at an ophthalmology practice. We made small talk as I adjusted her glasses. She was funny and yes she was a nun. And this intrigued me. I have always admired the commitment one could have to God in that way. How brave it seems in our world to choose God so boldly.
Anyway we talked well after her glasses where fitted perfectly. She mentioned that she was rushing to bible study. They were studying Exodus. I shared that I was just reading that book recently but that I never really told people about how much I read the Bible. And just like that she invited me to come to Bible study and dinner. I was a little taken aback of course but more intrigued I accepted.
I thought about the invitation many times over the next week. All my calendars were set to the date. To me this was a sign. This was definitely something that was supposed to be. In my heart I knew that my request for wisdom had lead to this unique meeting.
What I can tell you now is that I will be forever changed. Hopefully you will be too. Are you ready to feed your soul? Once you are a person of knowing there is no going back. Here are the life lessons I learned from the questions asked when I dinned with nuns. Enjoy!
Question 1 – Why do good people seem to die from horrible ailments and accidents? I read that on Solomon’s quest for wisdom he struggled with this same question.
Answer- The nun to my close left said. ” I can answer this for you. Good people have lives cut short for two reasons. The first reason is because we are not God’s. We are human beings. Our bodies are made of flesh and it’s not designed to live forever. The second answer is because we misuse our free will. When people misuse their free will for evil sometimes good people get caught in the midst of it. Our free will is powerful. And the consequences are very real.”
Question 2 – Recently, I read in the bible that to love God we have to love our brothers and sisters. My relationship with my sister is strained. But after reading this I felt convicted and reached out to her. She wasn’t kind and it made me feel foolish but I love God and wanted to make the attempt to do as the Bible says. Did I read this right?
Answer – The nuns started laughing. No really laughing really hard!I laughed too but didn’t really know why. Then the one 3rd from my left said..”Teresa, you may be taking everything you read too literally. The bible is the inspired word of GOD. But if we follow every single thing it says we may find ourselves gouging out eyeballs…(we all were laughing now and I knew why). When we love others we are loving GOD. But we are flawed and he knows we will fall short. Take care to be kind and you’ll be fine.”
Question 3 – How will I know if I’m doing what’s required to get into heaven? Sometimes I’m not sure.
Answer – The nun 2nd to my left – ” I have been a chaplain in a hospital for years. One day I got a call to visit a terminally ill patient’s room who was hysterical. When I asked her what was wrong she responded that she had never attended church much and was scared she was going to hell. I said to her there are only five questions you must answer to know if that’s true. Matthew 25:34-40 says the blessed with inherit the kingdom if they can answer these questions, “When I was hungry did you feed me?, When I was thirsty did you give me to drink?, When I was a stranger did you welcome me?, When I was naked did you cloth me? When I was sick did you come to me? If you have done this for any human you have done this for GOD. After that she was calm. She remembered being there for her family and community in those ways. Her family was astonished. She died peacefully a week later.”
Question 4 – When we are dying are we supposed to prepare or do something? There is so much unknown.
Answer – The nun to my right – ” Before you die if time allows you are to do five things. First, say I’m sorry. Second, ask for forgiveness. Third, say “I Love You”. Fourth, say “Thank You”. Lastly, we must say goodbye.” She then asked me…”I bet you thought I was describing what to say to GOD”. “Yes”, I answered. She continued..”No, these are the things you must do with your loved ones.” My mind was blown. And I knew to the bottom of my soul this was true.
Question 5 – Our world is changing so much. There are so many different views. How do you stay true to who you are and allow people to be themselves?
Answer – The nun that invited me – “Teresa, my best friend of 40 years in Muslim.” My mouth feel open. She smiled and continued. ” We all are more alike than we are different. We are not called to only love those just like us. We must love our neighbor no matter who they are. And for the things we are unable to affect we must pray. Always pray.”
That day I asked many questions. But these are the ones that I knew where the most important to share. In all I spent about 3 hours with the nuns. They were sincere and welcoming. Beautiful souls. I hope this helps someone. Since that day I’ve felt this overwhelming feeling to share what I’ve learned. I’m so happy that GOD opened my heart to this experience. After that day I decided to organize a group of volunteers to help plant flowers in the Peace & Nature Garden at the monastery. It just didn’t seem right to have gotten so much and return nothing. I can’t wait! I pray that this truth is a blessing to you.
Love, Teresa
Living and Forgiving 