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Celebrating Everyday Spirituality

Sunflower Seeds

Celebrating Everyday Spirituality

Here Is the Door of My Heart

Here is the door of my heart, Jesus. Please come in. You don’t even need to knock. Just call my name on the side porch and I’ll come running to open the door for you. I know, I know, I don’t always eagerly welcome you. Sometimes I pull the blinds and pretend I’m not at home. But I really, really want to welcome you–eagerly and always. Day or night. When convenient or inconvenient. In good times and bad.

Remind me, Jesus, that the door of my heart is totally controlled from the inside, by me. No one else has the key. I decide who or what enters. And what a daunting responsibility that is. I ask you to make IMG_1109the door of my heart as wide and as open as yours was when you walked this earth. Help me, as you did, to let in this marvelous, created world: the birds of the air, the lilies of the field, a setting sun, the glistening of a lake, the panoramic view from a mountain top, germinating seeds, rising dough, the taste of good wine, woolly sheep, gangly camels, and devoted mother hens. Help me to see everything as sacred, as holy.

And help me to welcome people. All kinds of people, as you did: the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the wise and the foolish, the beautiful and the plain, the little children, the elderly, the ill, the hungry, the grieving, the imprisoned, and the restless and the searching ones. Help me to welcome family (even when we get a little tired of each other) and friends (even when we don’t agree on everything.)

And help me to welcome your Word into my heart. Your Word that challenges me with its mandate to love one another—no matter what. Your Word that promises God’s unconditional love for me no matter what silly or awful things I may do. Your Word that gives me hope and courage and strength–especially in confusing or difficult times.

Loving Jesus, may the door of my heart always be open to the real world—your world—with all its pain and sorrow, joy and pleasure, violence and hatred, tenderness and compassion. When I get discouraged, remind me of those words of St. John of the Cross: “Where there is no love, put love—and you will find love.”

Here is the door of my heart, Jesus. Please come in. Please. Amen.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

16 Responses

  1. Hi, Melannie! Thank you for the heartfelt prayer! I too pray that I don’t find myself saying “there is no room in this inn!” Thank you for always being at home and welcoming me at your side door! Your words, friendship, and love are gifts! Merry Christmas! Shauna

    1. Dear Shauna, Thank you for responding. Since you live in Rome, you’re always one of the first to read my posts! Your friendship is a gift that keeps giving! Thank you. (PS to my readers: the photo is a picture of the side door to my house!) Melannie

  2. Merry Christmas! Melannie, I know this side door too well. I helped at St. Mary’s as a postulant. I was always welcomed at this side door. It holds many fond memories for me. You share many beautiful words and prayers with all of us. I treasure your friendship as a true Christmas gift. There is always room in the inn when one loves the
    Reason for the Season , Jesus, as you do. PJ

  3. Hello Melannie,

    I have been a reader of your books for many years. You bring words to life for me and that is no easy task. Thank you.

    I lived in Mentor, Ohio from 1966-1983 and then moved to New Hampshire with my wife and 4 children. This is a perfect place because the landscape here speaks to me of God no matter where I am at. And this prayer of the heart is a wonderful reminder of those blessings.

    A Blessed Christmas to you and your sisters.

    Larry

    1. Dear Larry, Thank you so much for your words! I was born and raised near Mentor–in Willoughby Hills, OH. I left there in 1962 when I entered the Sisters of Notre Dame…I’ve been to New Hampshire several times giving talks and retreats. In fact, I’m giving a weekend retreat at Barakah July 12-15 in Pittsbfield, NH…It certainly is a lovely state! Thanks again. Christmas and New Year Blessings on you and your family! Melannie

  4. Hi Melannie,
    Thank you so much for this beautiful Christmas prayer. I am always nourished and inspired by your words, whether they are written or spoken. You are a precious gift in so many ways. That little wooden rocking chair is on the corner of my desk as I write these words and it often reminds me to slow down and cherish the now–whatever it holds. Have a grace-filled Christmas and may 2013 be filled with blessings of all kinds–good health, deep peace, much joy, and many fun times. Love, Helen

  5. Melannie,
    Blessed Christmas. Thank you for your simple reflection. I love the door of your home – always welcoming. I’m eager for a time to play with you. Thanks.
    Dion

  6. Good Morning Sister,
    While reading the Covington SND articles, I found the Chardon website and clicked on your page and LOVED it. I met you at the Associate Convention several years ago and you gave several presentations at the Covington Province. I have several of your books that you signed and I sent you the picture entitled “Jesus I’m A Teacher Too.” I think the last time you were to come down, it had to be cancelled due to bad weather. Looking forward to receiving your weekly e-mails that I signed up for and hope to see and hear more your presentations. God is Good. Nancy

    1. Dear Nancy, How nice to have another Notre Dame Associate aboard! Thank you for signing up! I’ve enjoyed all the times I have spoken in Covington. Nice people south of the Ohio River–and north of the river too! Gratefully, Sr. Melannie

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Meet Sr. Melannie

Hi and welcome to my blog! I’m Sister Melannie, a Sister of Notre Dame residing in Chardon, Ohio, USA. I’ve been very lucky! I was raised in a loving family on a small farm in northeast Ohio. I also entered the SNDs right after high school. Over the years, my ministries have included high school and college teaching, novice director, congregational leadership, spiritual direction, retreat facilitating, and writing. I hope you enjoy “Sunflower Seeds” and will consider subscribing below. I’d love to have you in our “sunflower community.” Thank you!

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