Cultivating Catholics

I could not stand Christians. Or Jesus. Or organized religion in general.

I was “Too good.” “Better than.” “Smarter than.”

I would shake my head at them, wasting their time going to Church, praying to a made-up being.

Then, (as if God had some sort of plan for my life haha) I joined the military and met my very Catholic husband.

I was baffled. How could such a highly-educated, logical man have such a love for his religion?

He would invite me to go to Mass with him every Sunday and I would politely decline. No thanks.

But I continued to watch his dedication, commitment, and love for the Lord. It made me start to desire to learn more.

So I started going to Mass once every couple weeks.

And I was weird and awkward and my cheeks burned with embarrassment as I stayed seated in the pew while everyone else went up for communion.

But I continued to go.

And I *really* started to listen to each Gospel and each homily. And I started asking questions. And I started reading the Catechism. And I started learning the history of the Church. And learning about miracles. And about the saints. I became fully immersed in a world I had never known.

I finally got it.

It was at that moment that I felt Jesus’ calm, yet extremely proud, presence around me. He wrapped me in a big bear hug, so happy to have me with Him.

I look back on my life, on all the times Jesus tried SO HARD to bring me to Him, and I downright refused. There were so many times in my life where I needed Him, and secretly wanted Him, but didn’t allow myself.

But He was always there in the background. Never giving up on me. Waiting patiently.

If you’re on the fence about Catholicism, or just getting to know Jesus in general, know that He is there.

He’s waiting patiently for you too, and He always will be.

Whenever you’re ready.