SisterAnn Michael Farnsworth

“God, You are our protector--our rock, our stronghold. Lead us, guide us, for the sake of your name.” ~ Psalm 31:3-4

Having been asked to write a reflection as I celebrate 60 years as a Grand Rapids Dominican, I find that a bit of context is helpful. As I write this on February 15, our world is facing global warming rapidly approaching the point of no return, a worldwide pandemic that has been raging for two years, and Russia poised to invade the Ukraine. Here at home, our Sisters living at Marywood are, this week, moving to the “New Marywood” at 111 Lakeside Drive.

As I try to process these realities, I turn to a reading from today’s Mass. To paraphrase Psalm 31:3-4: “God, You are our protector — our rock, our stronghold. Lead us, guide us, for the sake of your name.”

Looking back over my 60 years as a Grand Rapids Dominican, I recognize that God has been our guide, our protector, and our stronghold, both collectively and individually. I find that my strongest and most enduring attitude is one of gratitude. I am grateful for the leaders of our congregation whose inspired leadership has brought us to this point. I am grateful for those Sisters with whom I have lived and worked. I am grateful for my family and grateful to God for leading me to the Grand Rapids Dominicans.

What the future holds, we simply do not know, but we do know that God is our rock and stronghold, and so we trust what is to come.