“Lord, show me a star to guide my way.”
For many years now, I have made a practice of asking God to lead me with a star when I am at a crossroads in living out my call.
I read in the Gospel of Matthew how the three wise men followed a star to find the place where Jesus was. When the star led them, they were “overjoyed.”
This joyful symbol of the star has become a powerful discernment tool for me over the years in my motherhood and ministry.
Fourteen years ago, my husband and I were house-hunting in preparation for a big move. We drove around a few communities to check out listings. Sitting there in the front passenger seat, I prayed in my heart, “Lord, show me a star! Lead us to our new home!” This home would become the place where our domestic church would house Jesus’s presence in the midst of our growing family.
We drove past a beautiful church. I promptly Googled it when we returned home—and gasped. Emblazoned across the top of the church’s website was an extreme close-up photo of the Eucharist exposed in a stunning monstrance. Golden rays radiated outwards, just like a star! We made an offer on a house for sale three blocks from this church, and it was accepted.
A few years later, while driving to a different parish to give a little informal talk on marriage to catechumens in RCIA, my eye caught on the light reflecting from my engagement ring on my left hand as it rested on the steering wheel. It twinkled at me. I had been married over ten years at that point, and I hardly noticed my engagement and wedding rings anymore; they had become such an integral part of my daily life. However, that afternoon, I knew in my heart that God was sending me another star. He was confirming my personal mission to marriage ministry.
Over the years, I continue to ask God to reveal a star to lead me. I seek the joy that confirms his presence. Now, I see stars everywhere! One day, I realized that the light in the tabernacle lamp is a star glimmering in the sanctuary of our church to indicate the Presence of the Lord. I saw that the green light over the confessional door is a star inviting me into an encounter with his mercy. When the mental load of motherhood and ministry seems overwhelming or brings confusion, I ask God to guide me with a star. I look for the joy. I find it in little moments, in the warmth of a smile or a hug.
Stars shine in the darkness with a peaceful joy. I now also realize that he is calling me to be a star. As a mother, I can be like the stars in Baruch, who shine and rejoice…. shining with Joy for their Maker (Baruch 3:34-35). I am called to joyfully show my family the way to Jesus.