A great gift was given to our family this Christmas by a heavenly benefactor known for his extreme generosity and timely interventions. On St. Nicholas Day in December, we found this gift in one of the stockings meant for mama, papa and the three youngest homeschoolers. We are now enjoying this gift: four nights and three days in the Sunshine State of Florida!

The trip was booked several months ago when no one knew what the weather would be. Of course with a moniker like “sunshine state” how could we possibly go wrong? But then doubt swept over our best plans as a polar vortex swept across the US, plunging temperatures in New England and showing a forecast of mostly rain and below 70 at our destination. By the time we pulled into our hotel in Hollywood, FL, drizzly rain and impenetrable clouds all served to dampen the mood and make our intrepid travelers doubt the saints wisdom.

As we said our evening prayers before the icons of our heavenly helpers, I encouraged the children to stop complaining to me and to turn to someone who could do something about it. This morning, we were treated to an unexpected blessing. Though the forecast promised only clouds and 70, that indomitable Florida sunshine broke through and, combined with the glorious Florida humidity, it produced conditions ideal for breaking through surf and breathing in fresh salt sea air.

So glory to God in His saints! May He who deigned to be baptized by John in the Jordan fill you with all things necessary for your salvation. And whatever adventure awaits you and your family, do not forget to ask God and His saints for help!