One day, appreciating various types of houses, I took a walk around Lakeside On Preston in West Plano, Texas. Along the way, I came across an old lady arranging a heart-shaped decoration hung on the front door of her house.

"Happiness" and "Welcome" were the words inscribed on the stepping stones in front of the entrance. Also, instead of a nameplate, the words "Live Well" were written on the main gate.

I also noticed an iron sculpture standing proudly in the middle of the front yard. As I asked her its meaning, she said: "It means a mother lifting her child to the almighty God. It could also mean two crucifixes supporting each other."

I looked at the sculpture attentively ... Then, bid her goodbye. Just then, she replied, "My husband is a Catholic, but I don't believe in God. I feel it doesn't matter to me. We just touched one another while on our journeys, and we will all ultimately pass away someday."

Well, it is true that each of us encounters others as we go on our life's journey. Encountering various people along the way, we come and go endlessly. It seems that we meet one another by chance or coincidence, but it is God who provides everything for the good of each person.

When I stayed in Texas, I met Stella Ma who studied Photography at Chung-Ang University. Collaborating together with her husband, she manages TOV Studio Photography for weddings, family photos, babies and events with various items of professional photography equipment and learned techniques.

One day, with some of her friends, Stella joined in the retreat held in a Korean parish in Fort Worth. She was so touched during the retreat that she invited us to see and experience TOV Studio Photography.

Thus, we took some time to visit the studio. Especially because we needed a portrait photo, we were willing to accept her hospitality. Once we entered the studio, they asked us to try various poses and took many photos of each of us.

"Tov" in Hebrew means good. Tov also means beautiful, excellent, joyful, whole, goodness, blessing, happiness and welfare. The word appears in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament when God said, "It was good to see," (Genesis 1:4,10,12,18,21,25,31). Looking at and appreciating every creature he made, God expressed the goodness of each being!

"Good deeds" (John 5:29), "a good work" (Philippians 1:6), and "all that is good" (Hebrews 13:21) are related to the goodness that God provides for us. It is so good, happy and pleasing to see and experience goodness in our lives! Selfless hospitality, generosity and cheerful sharing are all the fruits of good works and good deeds.

Slowly recovering from her health issue, Stella has to struggle a lot but she does her best to study the Bible, to read good spiritual books and to share food with others. Remembering the good examples of her parents, she is doing all this good work for others.

Surely, suffering and trials are challenging, but difficult moments can be a stepping stone toward spiritual growth.

"Mazel tov," or good luck and well wishes, to all those who are undergoing personal trials at this time. Happy are those who are willing to share with others despite of challenging situations.

The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul. Please feel free to visit her blog "A piece of sunshine" at mtorchid88.blogspot.com.