What's in a Name?

A friend once said in jest, "I wish God would send us notes from Heaven in answer to our prayers!" I laughed along with her. Little did I know that years later, amazing as it sounds, He would do that for me!

Our parish is in the midst of preparing a dozen or so adults to receive sacraments on Easter Vigil. I feel like a proud mother when I think of what they will receive in just a short time, and their journeys are making me reminisce about mine. This Easter Vigil will mark the five year anniversary of my receiving Christ in the Eucharist for the first time.

A couple of them have asked me how to choose a confirmation name, which takes me back to when I chose my patron saint. I knew immediately (without pausing for thought) what my name would be: Teresa. Blessed Mother Teresa had been a great influence in my life, even before my journey toward the Catholic Church. Her "humble passion" was a great attraction to me. (Because she has not yet been declared a saint, the name is also in honor of St. Therese of Liseux and St. Teresa of Avila.)

I began to wonder later if I should have asked God for His input on the choice. Was I too hasty? Just in case, I said a little prayer asking Him to show me what name He wanted me to take.

I went about my day and almost forgot about the prayer. A couple hours later, the doorbell rang. It was my birthday, and a neighbor was at the door with a gift in hand. She was a little perplexed as she explained that her intention was to give it to me at Christmas, but it didn't arrive in time; instead it arrived just a few days before my birthday. All she could figure is that God wanted me to have it now, rather than then. She handed me the gift, then turned to go. Her words as she gave me the gift were, "This is so you!"

Feeling grateful, I took the gift inside and unwrapped it. Can you imagine how stunned I was when the paper unfolded and revealed a book of quotes from Mother Teresa?! That was a much bigger gift than I had expected to receive!

I am grateful for my trio of patron saints Teresa, and for God who gave me my marching orders that day. :)