Taken from “Pearls of Wisdom” by M. Susan Lautenbach

God was pleased all through my life to surround me with love, and the first memories I have are stamped with smiles and the most tender caresses. There was especially one cluster of golden pearls (stars) that attracted my attention and gave me great joy because they were in the form of a ‘T.’

I pointed them out to Papa and told him my name was written in heaven. Then desiring to look no longer upon this dull earth, I asked him to guide my steps; and not looking where I placed my feet I threw back my head, giving myself over completely to the contemplation of the star-studded firmament!

-St. Therese of Lisieux

Our Prayer

Precious child –
from your earliest memories…
both Divine and human love
embraced your tiny spirit.

So sure were you
of God’s unconditional affection,
that you could imagine the Divine Writer
sketching your name in the sky.

How often did I, as a child
stare at the diamonds of heaven,
finding symbols that spoke only to me?

Help me to recapture that childlike innocence,
to abandon myself more fully
to the personal love
that God has sketched in my heart.

As I trust more deeply in that care,
I too will have the faith
to throw back my head,
giving myself over completely
to the guidance of my Abba.