Blessings in the Chaos

by David Lins  |  11/05/2023  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Last weekend, Amanda Vernon visited our parish to do a few songs at each Mass before leading a concert with adoration Sunday night. It was a blessed event and I’d like to thank everyone who came out.

During the night, Amanda spoke quite a bit about giving our chaos to the Lord. And it got me thinking…

Chaos almost always comes with blessing.

For most people, the second decade or two of life is motivated by finding “the one.” But then—as the wedding date approaches, so does chaos. Then, there is the chaos of balancing expectations and reality.

There are questions that must be answered! Which way does silverware go into the dishwasher? What is the perfect temperature for sleeping? And speaking of sleep, when should a married couple go to sleep—and should it always be at the same time?

But wait—then children arrive and turn the chaos to eleven. They might be the best kids in the world (spoiler alert: they’re not because mine is), but chaos comes as with them. It’s a package deal.

And it isn’t just family.

Your baseball team made it to the World Series (just like you’ve hoped for over the last 20 years)? Congrats! You now have more to stress about and schedule into your day!

You get a great job? There will be some part of it that is a struggle for you. Doesn’t matter how great it is, there will be challenges.

But at the end of the day, would you get rid of that chaos at the cost of losing the blessing, as well?

Because once we recognize our chaos is usually a symptom of blessings the Lord has given us, they are a lot easier to stomach.

Then—and only then—can we proclaim this Sunday’s Gospel: “In you, Lord, I have found my peace.”