Women's Words Ep2/Maria

This is part of an extended series, Women's Words which tells personal stories of Catholic women from all walks of life. We invite you to hear their stories and to allow Him to speak to you through the tapestry of their lives.

Episode 2: Staying connected

I have recently become interested in digital devices and the latest gadgets available. Most of my free time between work is to spend large amounts of time in a dilemma of which gadget has the best features or is most suitable to my lifestyle. You name it, I have it, whether it’s the latest smart watch, Airpods, tablet. I realised the benefits of using these devices, how it made my life more efficient, productive and simple. I am amazed at how powerful these little devices are and also how increasingly, we all have the need to be connected, sometimes developing a 24/7 connection to these devices. It made me question more deeply, with all the convenience of these devices, have I truly been connected to the Father? Or have I refused to answer His calls? Have I muted my ringtone, such that I cannot hear His voice anymore? We all have limited time in a day and we dedicate different amounts of time to different activities, be it work, studies or our hobbies.

If we are only partly connected to Him, are we also aware that He has always been 100% connected to us, through His death upon the cross? As time passed, I derived less and less satisfaction from the accumulation of these devices as I realised I had placed these devices before my relationship with the Father. I was slowly losing my connection with Him, and He felt far away indeed. I learned to prioritise and to make time for Him in my everyday, using my Airpods instead to listen to podcasts, such as the one shared by my friend Nicole.

Through listening more attentively to His voice, I have again “reconnected” with Him slowly but surely. Perhaps it is time for you to rediscover your connection with Him and to pay more attention to a weakened one. No matter where I am, I feel connected now, to Him and His “messages”. He desires to maintain this strong connection with you my dear sister. He who created us and shaped us, He who redeemed us with His death on the cross, He truly desires to connect with you on a deeper level.

Maria is a currently tied up between dental practice and a postgraduate degree and calls Indonesia home. She nourishes herself daily with Catholic podcasts and media and finds that the waters of the spiritual life truly nourish and sustain her in her long hours at work and school. She enjoys listening to Nicole’s podcasts and hopes to strike a balance between success in this current life, while always keeping her eyes fixed on the ultimate goal, eternal life.