I am reading the above book right now. I bought it during my 8-day retreat and many things speak to me as I read its pages. I am trying to get back on track lately. I feel as if I lost focus some time ago. As summer ends and I return to work, I must develop a clearer focus about my purpose and work daily towards that end.
I also read an interesting homily this morning by a wise man. He said that after the Transfiguration, Jesus came down from the mountain, knowing his true purpose. He set his face towards his destiny, Jerusalem, and never wavered. He ended his public ministry of healing and teachings and set about preparing the disciples for what would come. He put his trust in God for the journey ahead.
I wonder if I will ever have clarity about my true purpose. Without meaning to sound arrogant or boastful, I have many gifts and yet sometimes I feel as if I don't really know how God wants me to use them. I think some days I am supposed to be writing a book that will change hearts and inspire people. I feel called to work in Africa and see myself returning there. I believe that I have an ability to heal people and to direct them spiritually. I can teach but I don't feel that is a vocation for me. Planting peace and hope speak to me. I am not sure where my photography skills are leading me.
Then yesterday while reading Lowney's book, he mentioned a man who had many mistresses--things that pulled him away from his wife and his true purpose in life. He tried hard to juggle all the good in his life. The words of a former spiritual director came back to me clearly, "Suzanne, your struggle is choosing between two goods, but you have to. You cannot do it all." My work, my volunteer commitments, my prayer time, my blogging, my desire to be still, my family, my friends, and so many other blessings can wind me up so much that I actually begin to unwind.
Lowney then says that the man learned that his true purpose in life was to be holy. Simple. Be holy. Be holy in all things. Do not separate life into compartments such as family, work, play. See it all as holy. Find God in all things. Again, this is a very Ignatian principle. The whole earth is full of God's glory we are told in Isaiah. Every decision I make, every breath I take, every moment I am alive needs to be surrendered to God. That is a huge challenge but one I am going to try to make this fall as I enter the busy routines again. I want to be open to the Son as a flower is to its source of life. Wish me abundant blessings and courage in the trying.
Peace,
Suzanne
No comments:
Post a Comment