Yay! It's Advent!
Ok, I won't lie. I have not before had the spiritual maturity to appreciate Advent in previous years. Maybe now its time...what a hopeful season. All the world awaits a Savior...me included. I think God's timing on this whole thing is quite perfect (uh...duh). I have reached a turning point in my spiritual struggles recently, which provides an excellent opportunity for hope. Tah-dah! First week of Advent, friend. God is good.
The message of hope came through so strongly today in the readings at Mass...
"On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom...Then the wolf shall be a guest with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them...for His dwelling place shall be glorious." ~Isaiah 11:1-10
Father commented in Mass today about how beautifully versed this passage in Isaiah is. What tender, poignant images they bring us Gentiles, who are breathlessly anticipating the Love that is ours. Talk about poetry.
I agree, but I loved the psalm even more:
"Justice shall flourish in His time, and fullness of peace forever." ~Psalm 72
Justice...a concept we Americans tend to associate with ugly legal proceedings and cold, unfeeling court rooms. But justice is so much more...all the wrongs of this world will be righted when the King of Kings comes for His people. And the result being the fullness of peace forever...I like it. :) Peace is good.
Speaking of Mass....I'm totally in love with the New Translation. I cannot at present say which word changes stick out to me most...but the whole idea of being even more in communion with the rest of the non-English speaking Body of Christ is so exciting...even more cause for hope. Yay God.
May you find hope in this season of waiting. Grace to you, and peace.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
At the Foot of the Cross
I got a new perspective on the crucifix in the little ill-used chapel in XL hall's basement last week. Despite the lack of use (except for studying) and the humility of it, with little decoration on the walls and few chairs, the space is a sacred one, and the crucifix in the center of the wall makes the little room sufficient for me to feel comforted or, at the very least, alone when I'm trying to escape the very small, busy, sometimes overwhelming world that is RU's campus.
There is an old altar in this chapel, but its never used anymore because Masses are not said down there. I always seat myself on the floor when I visit, in front of the altar, about 6 or 7 feet away from the crucifix. On this particular day last week, I left the lights off, quite literally dropped all of my stuff at the door (except my kleenexes...I definitely needed those) and collapsed onto the floor. It was one of those days: I had just been delivered a heart-wrenching piece of news, the kind that stops time, that makes the world stop spinning, that makes me wonder if things could possibly get any worse...so I did the only thing I knew to do. I took the piece of news and my broken heart into the chapel, buried my head in my arms, and I cried out to my God.
While sobbing into the carpet, I felt a sort of beckoning, and I looked up. I realized physically how far away I was from the crucifix, and it occurred to me that I had never been very spiritually close to the Cross before the recent hardships in my life before. And then I heard Christ calling me.
"Come suffer with Me. Please."
So I did. I crawled around behind the altar and sat in the dark, staring up at my Lord from the foot of the Cross. And there I discovered something.
In the midst of suffering, there is a calling. From Christ, directly to the center of our hearts. He calls us not to run away from the darkness, the pain, the horrors of this life. He calls us to run toward Him. To be with Him. I know in my head that Christ can be there for me, but it never occurred to me that I could be there for Him, as He suffered in His earthly life.
Christ did not just come to this Earth to suffer for us. He came to suffer with us. He came to share in the hurt we suffer at the hands of Evil, because He loves us. He did not suffer and die to take away our suffering. He came to give it meaning. Christ's Passion says something about how much He values us. It says: "You are so important to Me; You deserve better than to be attacked and hurt in this way. What has happened to you is wrong. It matters. And I will do anything to be as close to you as possible. Even go through the same things you are going through, because I love you."
Wow. Entering into suffering, especially for someone else's sake, is soooooo...opposite of my own internal instinct. All I want is for pain and fear and shame to go away...we all know its easier to be joyful and to praise God when the sun is shining. But we are called to find meaning in even the worst and lowest parts of our lives, because even then our dignity is valued, when we are broken and struggling. Even then, God's love for us is infinite.
You see, suffering, hardship, failure, heck even discomfort is something Evil tells us to shy away from. He tries to get us to think that we deserve an easier road, a better life, more power to control our comfort level, more money, more, more, more. And when he gets the upper hand on us, we are tempted then to turn away from the God who "let it happen" to us, who "doesn't really care." But that is so wrong!
Christ doesn't wait for us to feebly offer Him our sufferings, so He can condescendingly pat us on the shoulder and be on His merry way. No. Christ waits to meet us where we are, to embrace and console us and to be embraced and consoled as He suffers too. There comes a point in a relationship with someone when you endure a struggle together, and it makes you stronger, and closer to the other. We love to give Christ everything in times that are good; why don't we share suffering with Him, and let Him share with us, in times that are bad?
May you grow closer to Christ...in all things.
Grace to you, and peace.
There is an old altar in this chapel, but its never used anymore because Masses are not said down there. I always seat myself on the floor when I visit, in front of the altar, about 6 or 7 feet away from the crucifix. On this particular day last week, I left the lights off, quite literally dropped all of my stuff at the door (except my kleenexes...I definitely needed those) and collapsed onto the floor. It was one of those days: I had just been delivered a heart-wrenching piece of news, the kind that stops time, that makes the world stop spinning, that makes me wonder if things could possibly get any worse...so I did the only thing I knew to do. I took the piece of news and my broken heart into the chapel, buried my head in my arms, and I cried out to my God.
While sobbing into the carpet, I felt a sort of beckoning, and I looked up. I realized physically how far away I was from the crucifix, and it occurred to me that I had never been very spiritually close to the Cross before the recent hardships in my life before. And then I heard Christ calling me.
"Come suffer with Me. Please."
So I did. I crawled around behind the altar and sat in the dark, staring up at my Lord from the foot of the Cross. And there I discovered something.
In the midst of suffering, there is a calling. From Christ, directly to the center of our hearts. He calls us not to run away from the darkness, the pain, the horrors of this life. He calls us to run toward Him. To be with Him. I know in my head that Christ can be there for me, but it never occurred to me that I could be there for Him, as He suffered in His earthly life.
Christ did not just come to this Earth to suffer for us. He came to suffer with us. He came to share in the hurt we suffer at the hands of Evil, because He loves us. He did not suffer and die to take away our suffering. He came to give it meaning. Christ's Passion says something about how much He values us. It says: "You are so important to Me; You deserve better than to be attacked and hurt in this way. What has happened to you is wrong. It matters. And I will do anything to be as close to you as possible. Even go through the same things you are going through, because I love you."
Wow. Entering into suffering, especially for someone else's sake, is soooooo...opposite of my own internal instinct. All I want is for pain and fear and shame to go away...we all know its easier to be joyful and to praise God when the sun is shining. But we are called to find meaning in even the worst and lowest parts of our lives, because even then our dignity is valued, when we are broken and struggling. Even then, God's love for us is infinite.
You see, suffering, hardship, failure, heck even discomfort is something Evil tells us to shy away from. He tries to get us to think that we deserve an easier road, a better life, more power to control our comfort level, more money, more, more, more. And when he gets the upper hand on us, we are tempted then to turn away from the God who "let it happen" to us, who "doesn't really care." But that is so wrong!
Christ doesn't wait for us to feebly offer Him our sufferings, so He can condescendingly pat us on the shoulder and be on His merry way. No. Christ waits to meet us where we are, to embrace and console us and to be embraced and consoled as He suffers too. There comes a point in a relationship with someone when you endure a struggle together, and it makes you stronger, and closer to the other. We love to give Christ everything in times that are good; why don't we share suffering with Him, and let Him share with us, in times that are bad?
May you grow closer to Christ...in all things.
Grace to you, and peace.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Yes.
Seriously. Whoa. This crazy radical mission statement was bestowed upon me by a fellow team member over TEC 130. I'm not sure how it struck anyone else, buuuuutttt its definitely posted above my bed, to be read daily. And I can't get over it, so I'm posting it here too.
Fellowship of the Unashamed
"I AM A PART of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
The die has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won't look back, let up slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is in God's hands. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, the bare minimum, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, frivolous living, selfish giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, applause, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, the best, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith. I lean on Christ's presence. I love with patience, live by prayer, and labor with the power of God's grace.
My face is set. My gait is fast, my goal is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, and my mission is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, let up or slow up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up and spoken up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus. I am a Catholic. I must go until He comes, give until I drop, speak out until all know, and work until He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no difficulty recognizing me. My banner is clear: I am a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed."
~Adapted from the original (author unknown) by Patrick Madrid.
WHOOOOAAAA. Again.
That is a tallllllll order. It serves simultaneously as an excellent examination of conscience, a bold mission statement, an awesome contract to be used to sign my life away, and a heck of a prayer to be offered to God as often and as wholeheartedly as possible. It's like...the tender, devoted loving of Mother Teresa meets the bad @$$ness of Joan of Arc. It's like..."Peace be with you" meets "I have come to bring not peace but the sword." It's like....awesome.
What does it mean to be part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed?
Grace to you, and peace!
Fellowship of the Unashamed
"I AM A PART of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
The die has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won't look back, let up slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is in God's hands. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, the bare minimum, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, frivolous living, selfish giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, applause, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, the best, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith. I lean on Christ's presence. I love with patience, live by prayer, and labor with the power of God's grace.
My face is set. My gait is fast, my goal is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, and my mission is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, let up or slow up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up and spoken up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus. I am a Catholic. I must go until He comes, give until I drop, speak out until all know, and work until He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no difficulty recognizing me. My banner is clear: I am a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed."
~Adapted from the original (author unknown) by Patrick Madrid.
WHOOOOAAAA. Again.
That is a tallllllll order. It serves simultaneously as an excellent examination of conscience, a bold mission statement, an awesome contract to be used to sign my life away, and a heck of a prayer to be offered to God as often and as wholeheartedly as possible. It's like...the tender, devoted loving of Mother Teresa meets the bad @$$ness of Joan of Arc. It's like..."Peace be with you" meets "I have come to bring not peace but the sword." It's like....awesome.
What does it mean to be part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed?
Grace to you, and peace!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Romans 12:12
"Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer."
I just needed a reminder of that verse...it sounds so simple.
If you asked me how my day was yesterday...at about 12:20 last night when I was desperately trying to get to bed before I got more upset, I would have told you it was awful. A testament to Evil's un-originality, when I get really tired, everything I didn't accomplish during the day, everything I'm unsure about, everything that I want to get done in the next 5 years (that I all of a sudden think I need to worry about now) comes rushing at me. Stress really sucks. Yuck.
But this morning I received a pleasant reminder from a friend about remembering the small things that make life worth living. So, to have some perspective, here are some great things that redeemed yesterday's passage quite remarkably:
1. I beasted through my Social Psych test. I was much better prepared than I thought. Cool!
2. I got out of the test early enough to make it to noon Mass. WHOA. I should stop right there.
3. I had an excellent lunch conversation with two friends about theology.
4. After that conversation, a gentleman sitting nearby grabbed my attention and told me he was listening in and that he was impressed. :)
5. I found my lost headphones, which is great because now I can listen to my new Matt Maher album!
6. Instead of trying to finish my homework in the hour and a half before it was due at night class, I scrambled into one of the new hammocks on campus and listened to my iPod (with my newfound headphones) and simply renewed my love for music for about 20 minutes.
7. The weather was GORGEOUS outside at this time. :)
8. After deciding to meet a friend for dinner, I managed to get out the hammock by rolling out of it onto the ground. Quite a feat. And very amusing.
9. CLC last night was GREAT. Instead of doing the meditation we had planned, we spent the hour talking about everything: theology, philosophy, psychology, politics, morality, government....literally everything. :)
10. I was able to spend some time at a friend's house talking about the little things of our lives before heading off to bed.
Why in the world would I have ever said yesterday was a bad day? Because Satan sucks, that's why. (Guardian angels, protect us!)
Remember the little blessings. There's a reason Romans 12:12 starts with REJOICE IN HOPE. It's what we should do first, and its what we should focus on while enduring in affliction and persevering in prayer.
Are you rejoicing in hope? If not, give it a shot. My entire day yesterday was turned around by those 10 small things. I have the feeling yours will be too. :)
Grace to you, and peace.
I just needed a reminder of that verse...it sounds so simple.
If you asked me how my day was yesterday...at about 12:20 last night when I was desperately trying to get to bed before I got more upset, I would have told you it was awful. A testament to Evil's un-originality, when I get really tired, everything I didn't accomplish during the day, everything I'm unsure about, everything that I want to get done in the next 5 years (that I all of a sudden think I need to worry about now) comes rushing at me. Stress really sucks. Yuck.
But this morning I received a pleasant reminder from a friend about remembering the small things that make life worth living. So, to have some perspective, here are some great things that redeemed yesterday's passage quite remarkably:
1. I beasted through my Social Psych test. I was much better prepared than I thought. Cool!
2. I got out of the test early enough to make it to noon Mass. WHOA. I should stop right there.
3. I had an excellent lunch conversation with two friends about theology.
4. After that conversation, a gentleman sitting nearby grabbed my attention and told me he was listening in and that he was impressed. :)
5. I found my lost headphones, which is great because now I can listen to my new Matt Maher album!
6. Instead of trying to finish my homework in the hour and a half before it was due at night class, I scrambled into one of the new hammocks on campus and listened to my iPod (with my newfound headphones) and simply renewed my love for music for about 20 minutes.
7. The weather was GORGEOUS outside at this time. :)
8. After deciding to meet a friend for dinner, I managed to get out the hammock by rolling out of it onto the ground. Quite a feat. And very amusing.
9. CLC last night was GREAT. Instead of doing the meditation we had planned, we spent the hour talking about everything: theology, philosophy, psychology, politics, morality, government....literally everything. :)
10. I was able to spend some time at a friend's house talking about the little things of our lives before heading off to bed.
Why in the world would I have ever said yesterday was a bad day? Because Satan sucks, that's why. (Guardian angels, protect us!)
Remember the little blessings. There's a reason Romans 12:12 starts with REJOICE IN HOPE. It's what we should do first, and its what we should focus on while enduring in affliction and persevering in prayer.
Are you rejoicing in hope? If not, give it a shot. My entire day yesterday was turned around by those 10 small things. I have the feeling yours will be too. :)
Grace to you, and peace.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Let me stay and rest.
"I'm finding myself at a loss for words, and the funny thing is, its ok..."
I was thinking this afternoon on my drive home that I haven't taken much time to really cultivate my friendships. I mean, I see great people that I love all the time. We get together when...we do homework. Or when we have a club meeting....I see my friends a lot! When I'm...en route the next to-do of my day and can only give them half of my attention and about 3 minutes of my time. The busy-ness of college life has struck. Hard core. When was the last time I sat with a friend or two in silence? Without stretching myself to come up with small talk or worse-homework complaints? What a serious oversight on my part. The nature of my busy-ness, however rewarding my classes and clubs, doesn't replace the good nature of fellowship...simply for the sake of fellowship.
As I mused on the severity of such negligence, I looked up from the top of my steering wheel...and BAM. Pink. Orange. Purple. Blue. And every shade of color in between completely exploded in my visual field.
God's timing is so perfect. He hovers in my sunbconscious, and then announces Himself in all His glory...in the middle of the Flint Hills at sunset.
And as if He thought that wasn't quite enough for a Kansas girl like myself, a song came on the radio that was so appropriate for His sudden, startling, overwhelmingly beautiful appearance in my conscious mind.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74
"Word of God, speak, would you pour down like rain?
Washing my eyes to see...Your majesty.
To be still and know that You're in this place.
Please let me stay and rest
in Your holiness.
Word of God, speak."
Talk about romancing my heart...*thumpthumpthumpthump*
It occurred to me that I've been neglecting a more important Relationship as well. Its been quite some time since I went to adoration...simply to adore. It's been too long since I've noticed Christ's presence and simply sat at His feet. Like Mary. Instead, I've been bustling about and giving Him my to-do lists, like Martha. The absolutely fantastic thing about God is, He quietly accepts the to-do lists I shove on Him, chuckles a little, and waits. For the perfect moment to overload my heart and soul with Love, and affection, and....beauty. Sometimes God works quietly. Sometimes He works brilliantly. Sometimes He works mind-blowingly. Often, its a combination of all three and more. When was the last time I simply admired His multi-tasking abilities without putting them to the test?
Good food for thought. May you be still and know that He's in this place. May you stay and rest awhile...in His holiness. Not your holiness (or lack thereof, in my case.)
Grace to you. And PEACE.
I was thinking this afternoon on my drive home that I haven't taken much time to really cultivate my friendships. I mean, I see great people that I love all the time. We get together when...we do homework. Or when we have a club meeting....I see my friends a lot! When I'm...en route the next to-do of my day and can only give them half of my attention and about 3 minutes of my time. The busy-ness of college life has struck. Hard core. When was the last time I sat with a friend or two in silence? Without stretching myself to come up with small talk or worse-homework complaints? What a serious oversight on my part. The nature of my busy-ness, however rewarding my classes and clubs, doesn't replace the good nature of fellowship...simply for the sake of fellowship.
As I mused on the severity of such negligence, I looked up from the top of my steering wheel...and BAM. Pink. Orange. Purple. Blue. And every shade of color in between completely exploded in my visual field.
God's timing is so perfect. He hovers in my sunbconscious, and then announces Himself in all His glory...in the middle of the Flint Hills at sunset.
And as if He thought that wasn't quite enough for a Kansas girl like myself, a song came on the radio that was so appropriate for His sudden, startling, overwhelmingly beautiful appearance in my conscious mind.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74
"Word of God, speak, would you pour down like rain?
Washing my eyes to see...Your majesty.
To be still and know that You're in this place.
Please let me stay and rest
in Your holiness.
Word of God, speak."
Talk about romancing my heart...*thumpthumpthumpthump*
It occurred to me that I've been neglecting a more important Relationship as well. Its been quite some time since I went to adoration...simply to adore. It's been too long since I've noticed Christ's presence and simply sat at His feet. Like Mary. Instead, I've been bustling about and giving Him my to-do lists, like Martha. The absolutely fantastic thing about God is, He quietly accepts the to-do lists I shove on Him, chuckles a little, and waits. For the perfect moment to overload my heart and soul with Love, and affection, and....beauty. Sometimes God works quietly. Sometimes He works brilliantly. Sometimes He works mind-blowingly. Often, its a combination of all three and more. When was the last time I simply admired His multi-tasking abilities without putting them to the test?
Good food for thought. May you be still and know that He's in this place. May you stay and rest awhile...in His holiness. Not your holiness (or lack thereof, in my case.)
Grace to you. And PEACE.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray for us!
Ok, so as an officially registered member of the Militia of the Immaculata, I get an email every so often offering a short reflection from the rector of the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe. I got this one about a week ago and after taking time to read it, defintely appreciated it. What with the sufferings of the summer and how they carry into the school year, Fr. McKinley's words seem especially appropriate. Enjoy!
"Greetings from the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe
Dear Friends of St. Maximilian,
Summer comes to an end this month with Labor Day parades, barbeques, and the windup of vacation revelry. I remember the carefree summers of my youth as some of the best days of my young life. Unfortunately, for many people this year, it has been a summer of struggle, hurt and anxiety. Here and abroad, too many of our brothers and sisters have borne the weight of a difficult economy, hurricanes and other natural disasters, hunger and hardship. We enter the month of September with deep concern for those who are struggling.
In our concern, we remember that September is the month in which we honor Mary under the title Our Lady of Sorrows. We honor her, who at the foot of the cross looks up at her beloved Son. She in essence suffers a spiritual martyrdom in the passion and death of Christ. She cannot take away the cross, only share in it. He is not alone. Mary is with him at the foot of the cross. (John 19:25)
St. Maximilian wrote “ … the poor, the weary, those who are bent under the burden of their worries, of their tribulations and crosses, are reassured in their certainty of not being orphans, of having a Mother who is aware of their suffering, who sympathizes with them, consoles them and helps them. They know they will still have to suffer for a while, but that their reward will follow … [and] a comforting balsam descends upon the hearts, a ray of hope appears again in desperate souls...”
It is never easy to suffer. Yet, we can have courage and hope because we are not alone. This month, make it a point to offer your prayers from the foot of the cross in solidarity with Our Lady of Sorrows and those who are alone, suffering or afraid. In doing so, you will bear –if even just a little – the crosses of others.
Peace to you.
Fr. Stephen McKinley, OFM Conv.
Rector of Marytown – The National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe"
Dear Friends of St. Maximilian,
Summer comes to an end this month with Labor Day parades, barbeques, and the windup of vacation revelry. I remember the carefree summers of my youth as some of the best days of my young life. Unfortunately, for many people this year, it has been a summer of struggle, hurt and anxiety. Here and abroad, too many of our brothers and sisters have borne the weight of a difficult economy, hurricanes and other natural disasters, hunger and hardship. We enter the month of September with deep concern for those who are struggling.
In our concern, we remember that September is the month in which we honor Mary under the title Our Lady of Sorrows. We honor her, who at the foot of the cross looks up at her beloved Son. She in essence suffers a spiritual martyrdom in the passion and death of Christ. She cannot take away the cross, only share in it. He is not alone. Mary is with him at the foot of the cross. (John 19:25)
St. Maximilian wrote “ … the poor, the weary, those who are bent under the burden of their worries, of their tribulations and crosses, are reassured in their certainty of not being orphans, of having a Mother who is aware of their suffering, who sympathizes with them, consoles them and helps them. They know they will still have to suffer for a while, but that their reward will follow … [and] a comforting balsam descends upon the hearts, a ray of hope appears again in desperate souls...”
It is never easy to suffer. Yet, we can have courage and hope because we are not alone. This month, make it a point to offer your prayers from the foot of the cross in solidarity with Our Lady of Sorrows and those who are alone, suffering or afraid. In doing so, you will bear –if even just a little – the crosses of others.
Peace to you.
Fr. Stephen McKinley, OFM Conv.
Rector of Marytown – The National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe"
St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us!
And, on the feast of Her birth, Mama Mary, pray for us!
Friday, August 26, 2011
A Sense of Purpose
The last two nights in a row here at school, during the first week of classes have not been filled with homework, but with fellowship. If this is the meat and potatoes of being an RA, I love it. I live in a residence hall, on a floor with a group of young women who are not strangers to me, but I won't presume to call them friends yet, because I'm not positive how they feel about me. However, I think they are all great! Its really neat that mine is the room where folks come in to sit down and chat, whether its because they need help with a rodent problem (not that that's happened, **cough, cough**), they're waiting on a friend to get ready, they need advice, or because they genuinely like me. Basically? My job is to be available to love and serve others. How much closer to the job description of a Christian can ya get?
I've spent the last few weeks becoming really aware of how I feel about what I'm doing. My classes, my job as an RA, the opportunities to grab meals with friends and chat, or better yet, listen. All these things bring me a sense of peace, longing and purpose. Its like I'm getting chances to discover my calling, my vocation. Its very cool. :)
In the last year I've noticed that I have a good capacity for listening to people, for trying to understand them and their stories. I have a knack for reading people and taking meaning from what they say, even if they struggle to communicate it. Being present to others, honestly communicating with them, building relationships based on trust and mutual respect? Its what I love. Its what I do. I'm relational to the core. God is showing me my talents, my gifts...and with those, my calling. I think these talents would be well-used in the field of psychology and likely, counseling. That's where I'm headed. Hopefully, if I'm wrong, He'll steer me in the direction of His choice. In the meantime, I'm following my passion with the sense of purpose in tow.
What do you love? What do you well? What brings you sense of purpose and longing? It is through those things that God is calling you. Chase after Him.
Grace to you, and peace.
I've spent the last few weeks becoming really aware of how I feel about what I'm doing. My classes, my job as an RA, the opportunities to grab meals with friends and chat, or better yet, listen. All these things bring me a sense of peace, longing and purpose. Its like I'm getting chances to discover my calling, my vocation. Its very cool. :)
In the last year I've noticed that I have a good capacity for listening to people, for trying to understand them and their stories. I have a knack for reading people and taking meaning from what they say, even if they struggle to communicate it. Being present to others, honestly communicating with them, building relationships based on trust and mutual respect? Its what I love. Its what I do. I'm relational to the core. God is showing me my talents, my gifts...and with those, my calling. I think these talents would be well-used in the field of psychology and likely, counseling. That's where I'm headed. Hopefully, if I'm wrong, He'll steer me in the direction of His choice. In the meantime, I'm following my passion with the sense of purpose in tow.
What do you love? What do you well? What brings you sense of purpose and longing? It is through those things that God is calling you. Chase after Him.
Grace to you, and peace.
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