Archives for May 2015

During my visit with a Spiritual Director at the Jesuit Center he shared this piece.  While not scripture, it is based upon the 23rd Psalm.  Those of you who (like myself) find yourself falling into the trap of becoming driven and overly task oriented may find it helpful.

It has found its way into a frame and will soon be hanging in my office.

 

The Lord is my pace-setter.  I shall not rush.  He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.  He provides me with images of stillness which restore my serenity.  He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind.

His guidance is peace even though I have a great many things to accomplish.  I will not fret, for his presence is here.  He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activities by anointing me with his oils of tranquility.

My cup of joyous energy overflows.  Surely, harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours.  I shall walk in the peace of the Lord and dwell in his house forever.

                                                                                                                           -Anonymous

I got in my truck a full 90 minutes before the appointment.  As I pulled away and started my journey toward my meeting I started to wonder, “Do I have time for this?”  “Can I really afford to be on the road for three hours today when there is so much to do?”  “What am I going to have to give up in order to make this appointment and can I realistically do this on a regular basis?”

As I made my way down the PA turnpike I found myself reflecting and thinking on things like I cannot do while sitting at my desks (No, you did not read that wrong…there is a desk in my church office and another in my home study).  As traffic whizzed by I found myself praying and reflecting on some of the issues that get only a moments attention before something else becomes the “crisis of the minute.”  Maybe this time in the truck would be okay, but a full three hours…I am not sure I can justify that.

About that time my GPS called out to me and told me to turn right onto the tree lined driveway of the Jesuit Center at Wernersville, PA.  As I made my way up the driveway there was no doubt that the place has a very different spirit about it.  I found myself getting quieter…found myself becoming relaxed, even as I was “right on time” for my appointment and I had to find the office of the man I was about to spend time with.

As David and I spent time together he asked about my life, “my story.”  We toured the Jesuit Center and he shared about their ministry and how anyone can take advantage of what they offer.  We talked about the opportunity to come and find times of quiet and reflection, whether overnight, or just for one day.  As we sat and talked he said, “Why don’t we just sit in silence and when you are ready you can tell me what you are looking for.”  So the three of us sat there, David, myself and the Spirit of Abba Father, sitting in silence…patient, enjoying the reality of each others presence.  After a few minutes I shared, “I need someone to help me, someone to remind me to sit in silence, to help me continue to seek to grow in my faith….”  “I need someone to ask the questions that nobody else is asking and to guide me on the continual journey toward spiritual maturity.”  “I need someone to sit with me when I struggle, to celebrate with me when there is victory and to help me listen for Abba’s voice amidst the clutter of this world.”

It all just Thundered out of Silence.  We talked about what that would look like…talked about how a relationship could grow and then parted ways for the day.  The ride home seemed much quicker…traveling to the Center on a regular basis will not be an issue.