When the Bells Chimed

It was a beautiful Sunday morning and when Grace awakened -- it was only because she heard the sound of bells chiming in the distance as she always had in the past. The little church on the corner -- that only held about twenty people at one single time -- was loudly chiming for all to come hither and celebrate another new day -- through the celebration of the Mass.

As Grace rolled over and flung the pillow back over her head, she groaned and said “I wish that church were somewhere else. It's such a nuisance! Those bells are always disturbing me, and interfering with my sleep. I wish it would just go away -- FOREVER.

Grace didn't think she needed to go to church. Her life was much too busy -- and church just didn't fit in with her busy schedule. She had to work out everyday, and keep herself fit! She had school and homework and chores -- which were already quite burdensome to her -- and sometimes her mom would ask her to pick up a few items at the store --- or take care of her little brother -- which was another thing she felt interfered with her --- off time. When Grace thought about everything she had to do each day -- she decided there was definitely no room in her life for church -- and consequently --- no room for God.

And so what?

She wasn't alone -- many of her friends felt the same way. They'd decided long ago God and church were just a big waste of time --- and with the little time left over from their busy schedules-- they certainly weren't going to waste it by going to church.

One day -- Grace’s little brother was outside shooting baskets -- when the ball rolled in the street and he was struck by a car. When Grace discovered what had happened-- she immediately called 911 -- and the ambulance arrived soon after. They put her little brother in it -- and rushed him to the hospital -- then into the emergency room. A grieving Grace waited outside its doors, sobbing uncontrollably. Grace hurried and called her mom and dad -- to let them know what had happened. She was worried about her little brother -- and she said to herself --- “what if he should die -- I feel so responsible for not watching him more closely.” Grace then wondered how could she ever begin to live with herself -- if he never recovered. The more Grace thought about it -- the sicker she felt inside. Who could she turn to -- she wondered?

Suddenly, a passerby saw Grace sobbing -- and noticed the tears pouring down upon her face . Taking pity on Grace -- He stopped --- and sat down beside her. Placing her hand in His, He said -- “why are you crying Grace?”

“My brother has been hurt and it's all my fault,” she tearfully cried.

“Why do you say that?” He asked. “I should have been watching him more closely -- because -- if I had -- I could have prevented this from happening.”

You mustn't blame yourself Grace -- because your little brother didn't stop to look to see if any cars were coming down the road. He was having a good time -- playing with his ball -- and never thought about the danger of something happening to him -- when he ran after it.

“Would you like to join hands with Me --- and pray for God to make him well?” He asked.

“Oh I don't think God will pay any attention to me” -- Grace tearfully responded.

“And why do you say that?” He asked.

“Because I haven't given God any of my time -- so why should He give me any of His?” -- she replied, wiping the tears that had fallen from her face.

“I see” -- He replied -- as He continued to watch the outpouring of grief -- that was coming from this young girl's heart. “You know Grace - - even though you forgot about God -- He didn't forget about you. While you put Him last in your life - - You still remained first with Him. He never considered you to be an inconvenience -- because He created you -- and loves you.

“I wish I had watched over my brother --- the way God watches over me -- Now -- I've let my brother down -- and God.”

“Don't worry Grace -- I'm sure God has heard you -- and knows how sorry you are. “ If you go inside the room -- I bet -- you’ll see your little brother -- sitting up in the bed -- talking to the doctor.“

Grace got up and said goodbye to the passerby. “Thank you for making me feel better,” she said -- I'll go now -- and see my little brother. “

“Johnny! Johnny!” Grace cried --- tears flowing profusely from her eyes. The man said you were okay -- and I'm so happy! -- Grace then grabbed her brother -- and squeezed him tightly to her!

“What man?” Johnny asked -- and after Grace briefly described the man to Johnny -- he said, “Gosh Grace -- that sounds like the same man that spoke to me.

“How did you see Him Johnny? Grace then asked --- quite surprised.  The doctor said you were in a coma.”

“I saw Him in my dream -- and He said “I was going to be just fine -- but that I mustn't run in the street again. After that -- I woke up and He was gone!”

Grace didn't know what to say after that-- she only knew from that day on -- she'd never be the same. When she first arrived at the hospital she was alone -- but when she left -- she left with God -- and when the bells chimed the following Sunday morning -- Grace welcomed their beautiful sound! She showered and dressed -- and hurried to the little church on the corner -- because she knew God would be there -- As He always was -- to welcome her -- in the celebration of the Mass!

My Dear Friends in Christ ---