From Barbara Wahlbrink, Director of Communications …
I recently celebrated a birthday. Some would say a milestone. Many of my friends are “celebrating” the same milestone this year. Woohoo! Not exactly like hitting 21 together: that was lots of celebrating – not much reflecting. Nowadays, it’s kinda the opposite – sure, we celebrate, but we’re also likely to reflect: how the years went by so fast; what we have (or haven’t) done; what we are proud of; what we might regret; and what the heck we should be doing with the rest of our lives.
Around the time of my birthday, a dear friend shared some wise words from author/composer David Haas, about the process of discernment in taking on the next phase of life. The words really resonated. They do not describe the way many of us have always done things … but more likely the way we should.
Grace and peace to you on the next phase of your journey, at whatever age or stage you may be. Keep an open heart, let the Spirit guide, relax … and just follow.
Discernment never comes to an end.
You are, every day,
in one way or the other,
on a path of discernment.
Discernment
is an exercise for you to listen more;
to be more discriminate;
to be more reflective;
to be quieter;
to be more thoughtful.
Daily discernment is about remaining open –
open to the movements
that will come and go in your life.
Discernment is a spiritual activity –
So, for you,
this can be not only something you take part in
within a particular timeframe,
but more holistically,
an attitude and stance in how you assess, evaluate,
and allow yourself to be pulled
into new relationships, new environments,
and new beginnings.
If you can find ways to do this,
then your primary vocation –
which is, ultimately,
to be a witness of God’s love,
can be made clearer to you.
Its manifestation may not be
as “huge” or “big” or “splashy”
as some adventures have been for you.
Stop looking for the big things,
the big signs, the big messages.
Stop the manic pace,
and slow down the tempo.
If you can reduce the metronome markings
that you usually live and survive by,
and be in the actual measures of the music,
and just enjoy it more –
your vocation, your next chapter,
your “real” purpose,
can be revealed more authentically.
So, take on the daily music of discernment now.
Does that not sound like a good idea?