Abigail Haydel ’18
There is a saying that stuck with me when I was becoming a Eucharist Minister, and I wanted to share this phrase with the whole student body so all of you can apply it to your daily lives. Listen to these words carefully: “Talk to God like He is your best friend.” When I heard these words, I immediately starting thinking – that’s it, that is how I can pray.
I grew up in a family that was centered on faith, we prayed as a family and I was taught how to pray by myself. Although, I never understood how God would talk back to me or how my prayers would ever be answered. Praying for me used to feel like a one-sided conversation of me asking for simple things, because that is what I thought praying consisted of. Now when I pray I feel a connection and a presence listening to me while I pour out my heart as I talk to my best friend, God. I bet all of you can talk to your best friend for hours and hours about your life, your desires, your dreams, and your hardships. However, your best friend would not be your best friend if you did not talk to him or her or spend time with him or her. Praying in this way might be difficult for some people to just sit in peace and pour out their heart to God, but remember that you could never do anything to lose His love. God also longs for us to have a relationship with Him, and this relationship is the most fulfilling because He has answers that no one else has or even could understand. He created us in His image and likeness and having that faithful connection with Him will help us live out His plan for our lives.
Seniors, we are about to embark on a brand-new journey, and we will be leaving this “Catholic Bubble” of Dominican. This is not a bad thing, but your life will now be filled with people of different morals and beliefs, no matter where you go to college. God is going to guide you to defend His name and stand up for what you believe in. He wants you to experience new surroundings, but make sure to follow the path God has made for you by continuing your relationship with Him. Many of you might be confused on what to major in, or if you chose the right college, but God will not just lay everything out on the table for you. He wants you to get to know yourselves and Him through the different experiences you go through in life. Just like your best friend, God doesn’t want you to be unhappy and even when you experience disappointments along the way remember that ultimately, he wants the best for you. God is here to guide you through this journey called life. I ask all of you; always remain close to God, because He is your best friend. He wants the best for you and knows what will make you happy. Also, it is okay to be vulnerable; not to be okay. He wants to hear everything on your mind and heart, because He wants to heal you with His love and guide you with His wisdom. With His presence in your life, you will never be alone, and He will always be there to hold your hand. Remember not to forget Him, even when you feel on top of the world, but embrace His goodness and His name; because of Him, true happiness is possible. I hope that all of you walk the path that He paved for you and make your heart His everlasting home.