“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

Editor’s note: This Advent, the Catholic Women in Business team is exploring the many ways God calls us to cooperate with his will and how we can proclaim our own “fiat.” Join our writers as they share their personal and professional experiences, lessons learned, and reflections from Scripture and the saints on discernment, trust, and surrender. Read more here.

As I knelt on the pew, I let out a sigh of relief. I had just made the run across campus to Mass. Our annual work event was over, and it was a success—thanks be to God! I could now relax, yet just as I was about to count my blessings, a rush of yucky thoughts started to invade my mind.

“Ugh, why didn’t that person ever get back to me? That organization never responded to my email requests. Hmm, they didn’t even attend this year.”

As this negative energy began to flow, I caught it in its tracks. I learned earlier this year that Satan likes to get to us through “4 Ds”: despair, depression, doubt, and distraction. A friend advised me that the best weapon against one of these Ds is to call it out in the moment and say, “Go away!”

I’ve been taking that advice ever since, and I’ve found it very helpful. As Mass was about to begin, I called out Satan in my head and told him to leave. I felt the bad thoughts melt away, and I began to recall all the people who had generously contributed their time to make our event a success. I saw the faces of the catering team, diligently preparing delicious food. I saw the technical team, who showed up to ensure we had sound and lighting. I saw the guest speakers, the professors, the students, and attendees—all of whom donated their time and support to make the event happen.

Mirroring Mary

As Advent approaches, I think about Mary’s unhesitating “Yes” to God. She was quick to respond, and she was selfless. So much so that she went off “in haste” to visit her cousin Elizabeth to help her, despite just receiving her own life-changing news.

“Imagine that,” I keep telling myself. “The disposition of answering quickly and joyfully is engrained.” Like Edward Sri writes in “The Art of Living,” “The virtuous person does what is good consistently, easily and promptly.”

It’s a challenge I’m posing to myself, and I encourage you to do so as well: to mirror Mary’s “yes” this Advent.

To the Ones Who Say “Yes”

Undoubtedly, there will be many Christmas commitments and holiday activities scattered throughout this month. I know my patience will be tested, but it’s an excellent time to put my challenge into practice.

I think back on people who have helped me in every stage of my life, from my parents who continuously gave their “yes” to helping me after working their own long days, to coaches and teachers who gave their “yes” to sacrifice their time to mentor me as a young person.

The ones who say “yes” to help build the church on earth are mirroring Mary. We need you!

It takes a village, and it takes the ones who give unhesitating, joyful yeses.

May we be filled with that spirit this Advent season!

Lilia Grundy is University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business’ Director of Corporate Partnerships with over 20 years of corporate experience (including Kraft Foods, NBC Television, and Telemundo). Lilia launched Catholic Women Professionals to inspire other working women to grow their faith. She is married to her high school sweetie Rob - they have beautiful twin girls who love art, music and learning about the Saints. Connect with Lilia at – LinkedIn • Instagram • Website