Bloggy friend Omis has put in his application with the Jesuits! And as is I think natural, this leads him to wonder about his discernment. Anyone who has seriously discerned their path in life, be that to religious life or marriage or [fill in the blank] knows that it is a journey, with peaks and valleys, twists and turns and the ocassionally seeming dead end.
The image I've found most helpful for discernment is driving on a windy country road on a dark and stormy night. The headlights illuminate just as much of the road ahead as I need to safely navigate through. I wish I knew what was up ahead beyond the curve, but I just have to trust that when I get to that point, the lights will be shining. And to be honest, I only have the energy to focus on the immediate future anyway, especially with the wind and rain all about!
I've been on a fairly straight and well lit portion of my journey for the last few weeks. Which has been nice and affirming, and hopefully gives me the strength and grace I need for those more harrowing moments yet to come!
Sr. Steph has graciously loaned me a wonderful pair of imaginary warm fuzzy socks that also come in handy at such moments. If any of my discerning bloggy friends find themselves in need of them, just drop me a line!
3 comments:
Thanks so much for this helpful image of discernment. It helps give me some perspective on where I am these days--though sometimes I'm not sure I can even see as far as the first curve! It's encouraging to ready where others are; thanks for sharing and best wishes!
C (Thirsty Soul
Thomas Merton composed this prayer of discernment and trust that uses nearly the same image:
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though I seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
Yes, that prayer of Thomas Merton's has carried me through a lot of confusing times and really means a lot to me. Thanks for reminding me of it!
C (Thirsty Soul)
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