This small book contains excerpts from letters from the two saints, some to each other, but also from each of them to other people.
The excerpts are collected in chapters according to general themes. Some example chapter headings are:
- Friends on the Road to Holiness
- Bloom Where You're Planted
- Total Trust
- When God Seems Far Away
- So You're Not Perfect
Suppose you have a little pain in your head or stomach, or you've made a great blunder, or you've been upset...But when you offer it to him, don't look on your trouble so much that you magnify it and confirm that you have good reason to complain. (p. 33)
We are not to desire the means of serving God which we do not have. Instead we are to use faithfully those which we have... (p. 42)
As a homeschooling mom, I'm constantly spreading a feast of stories of great men and women before my kids, which is important and necessary, but sometimes it's hard to remember that those stories are not reflective of the vast majority of people. Most of us live quiet lives, building relationships with the people in our families and our communities.
There were also many letters that encouraged peace of mind. Those of us living "quiet" lives still face tasks and to-do lists that can feel overwhelming.
Focus on what is in front of you and not on those far-off dangers you see....To you they look like armies, but they are only willow branches, and while you are looking at them you may take a false step. (p. 106)
I loved the image of willow branches rather than armies. How often the things we fear don't happen at all!
When tomorrow arrives, it will in turn become today and we can think about it then. (p. 106)
If you're looking for something to pick up and read a few pages at a time, perhaps at adoration, this book would work well.
I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon and Bookshop are affiliate links. I purchased this book.
