Be It Done Unto Me

 
December 14, 1955


Dear Diary,

Winter has locked us in its icy grip today. The temperature outside never rose above 7 degrees, and with the wind howling across the fields, it felt like 10 below zero. It was far too cold to walk to Mass, so Sister Mary Claire and I stayed home in our little farmhouse. The fire was our constant companion, crackling and glowing as we added logs throughout the day to keep the cold at bay. Mini spent most of her time curled up near the hearth, her little body soaking in the warmth.

This morning, Sister suggested we spend time meditating on the words of Mary: “Be it done unto me according to Thy word.” I read the passage slowly, letting each word sink in. It struck me how Mary’s “yes” wasn’t just a single moment—it was a lifetime of trust and surrender, even when things were difficult or uncertain. I thought about how often I hesitate when faced with something hard or unexpected. Could I have the courage to say “yes” to God in everything, just as she did?

Sister and I talked about it after we read, and she helped me see how saying “yes” can happen in the little things I do every day—whether it’s helping with chores, being kind to others, or even just keeping a cheerful heart when things don’t go my way. She said that each “yes” I give to God, no matter how small, is a way of offering myself to Him.

After our meditation, Sister decided we’d make Ann Landers’ meatloaf from the St. Teresa Cookbook for supper. She pulled out the recipe, and we got to work:

• 2 lbs. ground round steak

• 2 eggs

• 1 ½ cups bread crumbs

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup warm water

• 1 package onion soup mix



I cracked the eggs into a big mixing bowl and stirred them up, then added the breadcrumbs, seasoning, water, and soup mix. Sister handed me the ground beef, and I mixed everything together with my hands. It felt squishy and funny, but Sister said I was doing it just right.

Next, we pressed the mixture into a loaf pan, and Sister had me place two strips of bacon on top before pouring a small can of tomato sauce over everything. The oven was hot and ready, and we baked it at 350 degrees for an hour. The smell filled the house, and even Mini perked up, sniffing the air and wagging her little bottom by the stove.

Supper was delicious, and Sister said I’d done a fine job helping. We shared a quiet meal together with warm bread and butter on the side, feeling grateful for the simple comforts of home. Mini even got a tiny bite, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

As the day came to a close, we prayed by the fire. The words of the meditation stayed with me: Mary’s “Be it done unto me according to Thy word.” I thought about how even helping to make supper today was a small way of saying “yes” to God, offering the work of my hands to Him.


O Lord,

Thank You for Mary’s perfect example of trust and surrender. Teach me to say “yes” to You, not just in the big moments, but in the small, quiet ways each day. Bless our little home and keep us safe and warm tonight. And thank You for the warmth of the fire, the care of Sister Mary Claire, and the love of Mini. Amen.


Goodnight, dear diary.


Kathy