Being part of something bigger than ourselves in the New Year!

Sr. Meg Kymes, DC reflects on an unexpected opportunity  to serve rooted in her being part of something bigger. A FedEx delivery person was touched just by knowing she was a Sister .  Hours after the delivery he contacted her to ask for her help… just because he knew she was a Sister. In this experience she came to appreciate another dimension of her vocation.

As members of the Vincentian Family – whether members of the Vincent dePaul Society, the Ladies of Charity, the Charity Federation, the Congregation of the Mission,  lay or religious, in habit or not – when people know who we are and belong to, we represent something bigger than ourselves.  We are signs of hope in a discouraged and wounded world.

As you read Sr. Meg’s awe at being part of something bigger each of us share her awe. We can enter the New Year with a renewed appreciation of our vocation to be signs of hope. Sisters represent so much more than just themselves. It is both a big responsibility but also one that invites lots of reflective and.

Greater Than One: A Guest Post by Sr. Meg Kymes

Sisters represent so much more than just themselves. It is both a big responsibility but also one that invites lots of reflective and joyful experiences. Speaking about one of those experiences, here is a guest post from Sister Meg Kymes, a Daughter of Charity. She currently lives in Emmitsburg, Maryland where she works at Mother Seton School and the Seton Center.

Thursday I was awaiting a package from Fed-Ex while I was at school. I felt my phone ring in my pocket (luckily during snack time) and stepped outside to receive the call. I answered and the gentleman on the other side said, “Ms. Kymes? This is Bill from Fed-Ex. I’m looking for your house, but I can’t seem to find it. I’ve passed the antique store.” 

It’s a common problem in Emmitsburg. My own father missed the house twice when he came to visit. “You’ve gone just a little too far.” I replied. “Turn around at the next street and come back about a block. At the first stop sign turn right.” 

He arrived a few minutes later and asked, “What is this place? I’ve delivered to the school, but never here.”
“This is the Daughters of Charity convent.” I replied.
“Oh, so you’re a Sister?” 
“Yes, about two years now.” 
“Tough life. My daughter went to Mount St. Mary’s. A friend of hers became a Sister after college.” 
“Really? What community?” He thought for a moment, but could not remember. I signed for the package told him good-bye and God Bless then returned to class.

Later that evening I checked my phone and saw a voicemail. It was from Bill. “Sister? I wanted to ask you to pray for my daughter. Her name is Megan. She has been having some really bad headaches lately. I know God listens to your prayers, so I thought I would ask. Could you mention it to your Sisters too? Thanks and God Bless you Sister.” 

I was shocked this man would ask me this after a less than a 10 minute conversation. I reflected on this encounter that evening and mentioned it to some of the Sisters I live with. They reminded me that it is not what you do or say, but the fact you represent something much larger than yourself. I later found this quote from Paul to the Thessalonians. “The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia— your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it…” (1 Thessalonians 1:8)

When I began considering religious life, one of the thoughts that kept coming back to me was I wanted to be part of something larger than me. I am always amazed and proud at community gatherings and when we receive letters from our superiors in Paris and Rome when I hear about all the great work that is being done for our brothers and sisters living in poverty all around the world. It’s beautiful to know that somewhere in the world there are women who like me are given to God, living in community, and serving those living in poverty.

(Sr Meg also wrote a post on Sr Denise’s blog about why she wanted to be a Daughter of Charity – check it out here!)

Thanks to Amanda Kern for drawing attention to Sr. Meg’s Guest Blog.