Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Solitude is not something you must hope for in the future.
Rather, it is a deepening of the present,
and unless you look for it in the present you will never find it.
Thomas Merton


Well... I'm back! I suppose that could be taken in several different ways, couldn't it? That is intentional on my part...


It seems like it's been a really long time since I've posted here. However, it's only been about 2 weeks. I guess you could say that I've lived 2-3 months in 2 weeks!!! Have these weeks been full? Yes. My weeks are almost always full - meetings, phone calls, to do lists, community schedule/responsibilities ... But, I've also learned a lot in this short amount of time

The most important lesson(s)? Embracing the present - recognizing God where I least expect to find the sacred - living in ambiguity and change... these can all be difficult, but they are also GOOD... and a place in which I can encounter God.

It's not a secret that I don't like change. People who know me also know that I like feeling a sense of control over what's going on around/within me. What I'm learning, though, is that ambiguity is a fabulous teacher... and so is trusting in God's presence when there isn't the accompaning "warm fuzzy" type feeling.

For the lessons of these past few weeks I say "Thank You, God!"

Many blessings to all who read this!
Sr. N

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Glad to see a new entry Sister!

I especially enjoyed the Thomas Merton quote.

Embracing the present is something that I come up against from time to time.

I, too, don't like change and like to feel a sense of control of what is going around and within me.

I am glad you wrote about how you are dealing with these two areas of your life.

I am on the journey, as you/we all are, in trusting in God's presence admidst the change in our lives
(both wanted and unwanted) along with giving up our sense of control.

It is unsettling at times, and at the same time freeing.

Blessings and Peace to you.

Unknown said...

"I, too, don't like change and like to feel a sense of control..."

I read that and for some reason chuckled and immediately got an image of something you organized extremely well and, like some mischievous child, I went and moved around, only to find it put back exactly the same way thereafter.

I love coming on here, reading about your growth! The Force is strong with you (and by Force I mean the divine spark of God), and it always has been.

I agree, ambiguity is indeed a marvelous teacher. Learning that our "control" is futile without divine intervention is most humbling. The guidance of that little voice (or that 2x4 to the head if you're like me) that nudges us in the right direction is invaluable, especially if the changes we must undergo are uncomfortable.

May we all continue to embrace the change and live a life of servitude and growth. You are a gift to us all and your faith and growth are awe inspiring.

Love and peace to you my friend!