God Meets You Where You Are
Maria Eugenia was born in Caracas, Venezuela, the oldest of four siblings. She lives in Bolton, Massachusetts with Alex, her husband of 22 years, and Rocky, their 2-year old French Bulldog. Alex and Maria Eugenia are parents to twin boys Carlos and Luis, 18, both college Juniors. Maria Eugenia was raised in a Catholic family, though her Catholic faith had not always been present in her life. Maria Eugenia was inspired by Christina’s journey and by the beautiful way in which her parents and close friends choose to maintain her legacy. Christina’s faith has reframed her perspective of life and has given her a newfound source of strength and purpose.
The year 2022 was one of the most challenging years of my life, if not the most difficult one. Luckily the year 2023 has been one of the best of my life, filled with family time, fun and good news. Even though these years couldn’t have been more different, God has been with me every step of the way, supporting me with exactly what I need in each moment, and showing me his mercy and unconditional love in ways that I didn’t know I needed and never anticipated… in ways that only a loving father can.
In 2022 my busy life was rocked by an unexpected health crisis that got worse at every turn. What was initially presented as a somewhat minor, day-long health scare became a ten month-long journey, nine surgeries, and countless setbacks. One can say I was prepared for a sprint and ended up having to run a marathon, completely unprepared and paralyzed by fear. Yet, I was able to endure the ride with strength and patience that I didn’t know I had, and that only could have come from God. When I was scared God gave me peace. When I was confused God gave me clarity. When I became impatient God helped me slow down and trust his time. Above anything, God taught me to surrender and leave it all in his hands. This was a completely new experience for me, one that I thought I was not capable of doing. It was a liberating experience that brough me closer to God than ever before.
In contrast, 2023 has been an amazing year! With my health crisis mostly over and too many scars to count, the biggest blessing has been to see my kids thrive in their freshman year of college. I have felt validated as a mother as I see them navigate the many bumps of college life anchored on the values that my husband and I have worked so hard to instill in them. The year has been filled with treasured vacations, unforgettable family times, and friendships that feed my soul and my spirit. Fortunately, God has been by my side every single moment, showing me to be thankful, and to not take anything for granted, encouraging me to remain humble and helping me to stay close to him. In the moments when I’ve felt everything is perfect, I have heard his voice and felt his presence telling me, “I told you everything was going to be okay.”
I am so grateful that God Meets you where you are. With your highs and lows, good moments, and bad moments. When you make good decisions and when you chose the wrong path. When you feel close to him and when you are just passing by. God meets you when you are sad and when you are happy, when you are lost and when you have clarity, when you are angry and when you are at peace. God is always ready to be with you, without judgement or conditions, without explanations or apologies. He is there like a 24/7 hotline ready to give you what you need, and he is ready! You only need to pay attention to the signs and be willing to listen and, above anything, to trust him.
