Living in the Days I Once Prayed For

I’m living in the days I once prayed for. This is a realization I’ve come to lately. As the

first month of the Fellows program has come and gone, I’ve been filled with reflection for

how quickly my life has changed and how drastically different it has become. For most

of my life, I’ve had a sense of where I was going next. After graduating college, that

changed and life became filled with uncertainties. Yet, this time of transition has

revealed the fulfillment of God’s promises in His goodness and providence.

Recently, I’ve been filled with gratitude because all of my doubts entering into the

program have been replaced by peace. Honestly, I was dreading our opening testimony

retreat. How was I supposed to share some of the darkest moments of my life with

people I had just met? But I was missing the point; it’s not about our darkness, rather it's

about God as our light. Hearing everyone be vulnerable together gave us a deeper

understanding of each other and has provided a foundation for building our community.

I’m amazed by how God has placed each member in my class with a purpose and how

we all fit together as one body.

Through the Fellows program, its network, and the church community of St. Stephen's, I

have seen the Body of Christ at work. I’ve felt incredibly held as I figure out life after

college, not just by God, but also by the people He has placed in my life. As Fellows, we

are blessed with a community that dedicates their time and resources to pour into us. In

our house, we encourage and support one another through late-night conversations,

shared meals, and small acts of love, fulfilling Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider

how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up

meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another."

All of these things are leading to incredible growth,

and I have no doubt that I’m where

I’m meant to be. I get to apply skills, both personal and professional, that I have been

building for years and witness God continue to shape me. The days I once prayed for

have become the foundation for the days still to come, ones filled with hope, community,

and light.

-Written by Catherine Maher, Class of 2026

Catherine attended Grove City College and works at Veterans Breakfast Club as a Pittsburgh Fellow.