Immense Magnificence

"Let us remember that within us there is a place of immense magnificence." - Saint Teresa of Avila, Catholic nun and writer

This is one of my favorite quotes of all time. I didn't think this was true for me when I saw this quote for the first time several years ago. After some time, I came to believe that this could be true for me just as much as it could be true for anyone else. We all have this place within us and that is such a gift.

I can remember where I was the first time I realized that this was true for me. Last December I had the honor and privilege to attend a women's weekend retreat in central Florida. The theme revolved around our own magnificence. I knew that I did not believe in myself. I was struggling with my self-confidence and I was praying for some hope and strength from the weekend activities.

Well, be careful what you pray for - I got so much hope and strength from that retreat that I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude. The facilitators showed me that they believed in me (although they had just met me) and I began to follow their lead and believe in myself.

Today I know that within me there is a place of immense magnificence, placed there by my Higher Power. I believe that there is an inner Spirit in all of us that brings out God's magnificence.  Let's all remember that we have this precious gift of magnificence. May we use it as God intended.