I have spent the past few months focusing on what I tend to run from or not want to stay in process with and just “notice.” I was curious. The conclusion I have come to is that it is not only the awkward and uncomfortable, but also, sometimes, it is the joyful and amazing experiences as well that I don’t allow myself time to linger in for too long. So I sat with it all and prayed during it all until I felt myself leaning into and being present – fully present with whatever the experience was.
What I noticed is how fully alive I feel and what gifts come from praying. Teresa of Avila said, “Learn to see God in the details of your life, for He is everywhere.” Truth be told.
My faith in the journey that God has set before me has never wavered. I can’t say my conversations with God have always been calm, cool, and collected, but my desire to refine my relationship with God is a life choice on which all else is built. There have been plenty of times, especially throughout the past few years, when I was reminded in my prayers that life is an on-going journey of change and choice, a surrendering of the old and a trust in new beginnings. My faith in this has been the only sustainable option for me.
My devotion to a spiritual practice takes me beyond my five senses. It allows me to shut down my mind; it brings me back into my soul, where I am surrounded by grace, no matter where I am or what is happening around me. The good, the bad, the ugly – all of it – I am grateful for the experiences.
As I reflect upon one of the greatest teachers of being with all of it, Jesus, who stayed true to his faith and prayed every step of the way on his most difficult path, I am reminded to let prayer be my food for stamina. Never stop praying, no matter what happens, and the grace of God shall be yours.
In joyful times and in the difficult times, be hopeful, be faithful, and may you find the grace that will sustain you.
Blessings to you and yours during this most holy week.
Peace and All my love,
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