The Hidden Life at Indian Creek

Dear Diary,


This morning Robert came to pick us up for Church, and it felt like the whole world was still half-asleep—fields all white and quiet, and the road looking like it went on forever through the cold. Sister Mary Claire sat close and calm, like she always does, and Mini rode along like a little lady, sitting up proper with her show-dog face, watching everything out the window as if she was guarding us.

At Mass, Father LeRoy explained the meditation about the Hidden Life of Jesus at Nazareth—how Jesus, even though He is the Son of God, chose to live for years where hardly anyone noticed Him, working in an ordinary little town, doing humble duties, and being subject to Mary and Joseph. Father said that the hidden life isn’t wasted at all. Jesus was doing the Will of His Father the whole time, and teaching us that the small, plain things can be very great when they’re done for God. 

All the way home, I kept thinking about that word hidden. It made me think of Littlemore Farm, because so much of our life is quiet and ordinary too—chores that don’t look important to anybody else, like carrying wood, helping where Sister needs me, keeping things tidy, and doing what I’m told without making a fuss. And then it made me think of my hidden cave by Indian Creek—how it’s tucked away and you wouldn’t even know it’s there unless you were really looking. When I’m down there, it feels like the world can’t reach me, and it’s easier to remember that God sees things even when nobody else does.

Sometimes I like being hidden because it feels safe and peaceful. But sometimes I want to do something big so people will notice, and then I feel a little ashamed of that. Today I understood better what Father meant: Jesus could have “manifested Himself,” but He didn’t—He chose quiet obedience, and He loved it, because it pleased His Father. So maybe my cave isn’t only a hiding place. Maybe it can be like my little Nazareth—where I learn how to do my plain duties with love, and where I practice being happy with Jesus even if nobody is clapping for me.

Mini doesn’t worry about being seen at all. If she’s with us, she’s content—and that made me think: maybe the secret of the hidden life is just that… being with Jesus, and letting that be enough.

Resolution (Hidden Life): I will try to do my ordinary actions carefully and sweetly—especially the hidden ones—so Jesus can be pleased with me, even if nobody notices.




Love, Kathy