Mariela Finds Her: “What’s Next” At 88 Years!

As William James notes: “If we can change our mind, we can change our life?”

Mariela has just celebrated her 88th birthday. During most of those years she has volunteered as a Bible Study teacher at her small country parish, St. Bart’s, and she still loves it.

Now, at 88 she has diminishing eyesight. This hasn’t deterred her from wanting to serve the Lord. She said, “After all He has done for me, I’ll just look around until I find something that fits!” And Mariela did just that. She began looking for an appropriate “what’s next?”

Today, she happily volunteers as a Eucharistic minister for Alzheimer patients at the Little Flower Health Center Free-Spirit Wing. She loves the work and enjoys meeting the residents, where every visit is like the first visit,

With a huge grin on her face, she says: “Each time I go there, I never know what to expect.” She continued, “It’s such a joy to bring Jesus.” And she quickly added, “They may not remember Jesus,” pausing, “But I know He remembers each of them and loves them, all.

In life, change is unavoidable. Mariela experienced this suddenly when her eyesight weakened. She needed a suitable change. She needed: “a what’s next” change that would fit her journey.

Even at 88, Mariela still finds life at the Free Spirit Wing and says with enthusiasm: “I get far more back than I bring. Even if I only bring a little hope to each patient.” She looks around and says: “It’s better than sitting home in an empty room and wondering about my what’s next. It’s easier, and more fun to choose my what’s next myself.”

Mariela is taking her new “What’s next” as God’s gift, which is freely given to each of us. She is choosing that gift, and using what she needs for herself, and the extra Mariela gives is given to those who need it.

That is, at this moment Mariela’s ministry, and the residents at the Free Spirit Wing who are enjoying the goodness from that ministry. And, as usual when you give God’s goodness away, God simply gives plenty more.

Mariela ‘s life and ministry is an example of how her life, given by God, is fueling her love for those who need life. Mariela tells the Spirit Wing patients through her visits that she sees them, that they matter, and that their God still loves them.

Mariela admits she doesn’t know how Jesus works it all out. She just makes the choice, and with a broad smile adds: “I trust Jesus to work out the details.”

In Mariela’s heart, she sees her small action bringing the same miraculous power that Jesus does when he healed a withered hand or gives sight to poor blind beggar. Even if her visits with the Eucharist she only renews, and refreshes remakes the residents there them for just a little while. When Mariela brings joy and her love for the Eucharist, Mariela feels she is doing as Jesus would.

Surely God is grateful to Mariela for her help. And Mariela feels certain that God loves watching her replicate His hands through her hands and the love in her heart.

God continues to make the lives of His creation better and more joyous! When Mariela helps God to do this, it shows us what God’s goodness looks like, Love.

Remember, we all have, “What’s next moments” until our journey here is done. But it is people like Mariela who have the courage and trust to discover them, and thelove to give them life. And never forget, God always sends help!

Only by not forgetting the past can we be the master of our future!