This morning, Joane gently leads us to the Lord—and with her, we rediscover something essential we often forget: every great return begins with a small step.
For a long time, a quiet thought kept returning to her heart: “I need to start drawing again.” But as often happens with the things we once loved and left behind, fear crept in: What if I can’t do it anymore? What if I’ve lost it? So the days passed, filled with excuses and false comfort: When I have more time. When I feel stronger. When I’m in a better place…
But that “better time” rarely comes—because there’s only one real way back: taking the first step.
Joane finally did. She sat down to draw—and she felt it: her hand was clumsy, the lines unsteady, the strokes unsure. But in the middle of that imperfection, something even greater came through: the joy of doing what helps her express her heart.
Returning to Jesus Is the Same
When we drift from prayer, from silence, from moments with the Lord, something similar happens. We think, “I should go back…” but quickly follow with “Maybe when I’m better. When I’m less tired. When I have more time…” And that moment never seems to come—unless we dare to take the first step, even if it’s not perfect.
But here is the beautiful truth: Jesus is already there, waiting.
That quiet longing you feel in your heart—that desire to draw closer to Him—is not from you alone. It is His gentle invitation. He is not asking for your perfection. He is asking for your presence.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” His arms are wide open. He doesn't want your flawless self—He wants your real self, with all your fears, your silence, your awkward strokes, your messy first steps.
The Invitation of Today
Today, the challenge of love is this: take the first step. Pick up that prayer you’ve set aside. Reconnect with that friend who once brought you closer to God. Go back to that group, that Mass, that quiet moment with Scripture. Or simply sit down and speak to Him, honestly and from the heart.
You don’t have to be perfect. Just willing.
He’ll take care of the rest.
