By Sister Marlene Panko, SSND
As a public school “CCD student,” Wednesday afternoon was a bright star in my week. It was when I began learning about a good and gracious God. This was in part due to my SSND teachers and in part due to grace.
My eagerness to become closer to God has continued to develop throughout my life.
As a young adult, I chose to enter SSND. Postulancy - with instructions (meditations) from Sister Jean Marie every evening - made a deep impact on me.
I wanted to absorb everything. Quiet Time provided a welcome opportunity to do so.
Every step to becoming a Sister was welcomed by me, this public school student! I have been grateful since the day I entered for the relationship I have with God, my life partner.
Yes, theology and spirituality offerings continue to sustain me. But as I get older, I find my personal spiritual life getting simpler.
Sometimes all it takes for me to experience God's comfort or insight is a simple comment from someone, or a line in a book I am reading.
One quote from years ago still resonates for me. I saw it on a banner while attending a conference in my early ministry days. It said: “God’s Real Name is Gift.”
Currently another quote is taped at my door like a Jewish Mezuzah. The quote is from Meister Eckhart: “If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.”
Thank you, God, for the Gifts you give me.
Thank you, God, for the Gift you are.
