marching on in formation

As I wind down my time here in Jersey City and prepare to return to the Novitiate for the "home stretch," I thought I'd let my itunes pick some songs at random and see if there's a message that comes out (this is a favorite bloggy exercise of mine).

Song # 1 ~ Walking on the Moon by the Police (listen/watch on YouTube)

Some may say
I'm wishing my days away, no way
And if it's the price I pay, some say
Tomorrow's another day, you'll stay
I might as well play

Song # 2 ~ True Faith by New Order (listen/watch on YouTube)

I feel so extraordinary
Something's got a hold on me
I get this feeling I'm in motion
A sudden sense of liberty

Song # 3 ~ Everyday is a Winding Road by Cheryl Crow (listen/watch on YouTube)

Everyday is a winding road
I get a little bit closer
Everyday is a faded sign
I get a little bit closer

Song # 4 ~ Peace Train by 10000 Maniacs (listen/watch on YouTube)

Now I've been happy lately, thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be, something good has begun

Song # 5 - My Eyes by Travis (listen/watch on YouTube)

As each day goes by, it makes way for another,
We discover that we're not alone
And each day we try, the best we can to recover,
All the feelings that we left below

Song # 6 - Sky Blue Sky by Wilco (listen/watch on YouTube)

Oh, the band marched on in formation
The brass was phasing tunes I couldn't place
Windows open and raining in
Maroon, yellow, blue, gold and gray

And what is the message? There's a definite theme of journey in these songs, but also a message of staying in the present. It's important to savor each moment, even as the days slip away. To remember to play, to savor the extraordinary feeling of rightness on the journey. To live into the future, in the company of community, dreaming the dreams God dreams together. As I prepare to return to the Novitiate House to discern/prepare for vows, my participation in our formation program continues. But as our Constitutions say:

Formation is a life-long process of creative growth as we participate in the mission of Jesus Christ through the vowed life. We believe that the Spirit leads each of us to an integrity of life expressive of the wholeness of peace.

And so, with my loving God and my community I continue on the journey ...