Christ is My Firm Foundation

My three-year-old received a set of PicassoTiles for her birthday, and let me tell you… they are awesome! Everyone, and I mean everyone in my family, has been enjoying them. We build pens and barns for the animals, roads for the cars and tractors, and countless towers and castles. The sky's the limit when it comes to the creativity stemming from these magnetic tiles.

My daughter building with the PicassoTiles.

One thing I have learned when building any kind of structure with height is that a strong base is nonnegotiable. Without a sturdy foundation, the tower would collapse with the slightest bump or an intense sneeze from across the room. And when the architect is a three-year-old, a collapsed tower is a very big deal. So, with any structure we build together, we make sure the foundation is strong to ensure the longevity of our project!

A quick Google search informed me of the importance of a strong foundation in any architectural structure, not just the construction happening in my living room. Although the foundation is no longer visible once a building is complete, laying it is the most critical step in any construction project. The foundation supports the weight of the structure and ensures stability by protecting it from the elements, while also preventing uneven settling that can cause cracks or structural damage over time. Without a solid foundation, even the most elaborate and beautifully designed buildings will not last.

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

Unlike a building structure, where improving the foundation after it is laid is difficult, the spiritual foundation of our souls is ever changing. We are blessed to have a living God who desires a personal relationship with us. The more we come to know Him, the more clearly we understand His true design for our lives. Through time listening in prayer, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and through Jesus, made present to us in the Eucharist, our relationship with Him deepens, leaving us with a stronger and more secure foundation.

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 says, “According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.” It can feel a bit backwards to realize that the way to build a solid relationship with the Lord is by allowing Him to pursue us and lead the building process. My default is often to rely on myself and come up with a structured plan for growing in holiness. Yet the more I try to control or direct the process, the longer it seems to take. Only Jesus knows the perfect steps needed to transform our souls. The building block of our soul is love. Jesus, the Master Builder, is Love. The true challenge lies in making ourselves available to Him through prayer and the reception of the sacraments, while learning not to stand in His way.

Dear Jesus, inspire me to be like the wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24-27). May Your love be the necessary foundation in my life, able to withstand the rain that falls and the winds that blow against me. I know that I do not have the tools to achieve holiness without Your guidance. Jesus, the Master Builder, I surrender my life to You. Guide me. Inspire me. Lead me to become the woman You have designed me to be. I praise You for the gift of faith as I place all my trust in You. Amen.

Until next time, your sister in Christ,

Abby