The Little Ford

May 16, 1956

Dear Diary,

Today after Mass, Robert had the nicest surprise for me.

He gave me the little Ford tractor.

He said he never, ever used it, and it just sat in the shed looking lonesome.

Then he smiled and said it might as well be my tractor, since I could use it for little jaunts around Camp Littlemore and someday down toward the cave.

Sister Mary Claire looked pleased, but careful.

Robert said he would teach me slowly, and that I must never go faster than a sensible farm girl ought to go.

That made Sister Mary Claire smile.

Father LeRoy’s homily stayed in my heart all day.

In the Gospel, Jesus said,
“Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.”

Father LeRoy said that when we pray in the name of Jesus, we are not just sending wishes up into the sky.

We are going to the Father through His beloved Son.

And Jesus told the disciples something so beautiful — that the Father Himself loves them because they love Jesus and believe He came from God.

I thought about that when I looked at my little Ford.

I have not driven it over the old bridge yet.

Robert said we will practice first in the lane and near the field.

Someday, when Sister Mary Claire says it is safe, I may take it slowly toward the cave path, with Mini riding safely behind me.

I keep imagining the wooden bridge, Indian Creek sparkling below, the corn just coming up small and green, and the cave waiting quietly beyond the trees.

I think I will ask Jesus to help me be careful, grateful, and brave.

Maybe prayer is a little like learning to drive the tractor.

I must not rush.

I must listen.

I must trust the one who is teaching me.

And Jesus is the best Teacher of all, because He brings my heart straight to the Father.

Tonight the little Ford is waiting by the shed, and I am waiting too.

I feel like the corn after rain — small, green, and happy to be growing.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for this happy day and for Robert’s kindness.

Teach me to ask the Father in Your holy Name with a trusting heart.

Help me learn slowly, listen carefully, and never be careless with the gifts You give me.

Bless Sister Mary Claire, who keeps me safe.

Bless Robert, who is so good to us.

Bless Mini, who will surely think the tractor belongs partly to her too.

Stay close to me tonight, dear Jesus, and make my joy complete in You.

Amen.

Love,
Kathy