Unsettled. Homeless, in a way. That’s how I have existed for the last two months. Now, don’t feel sorry for me because that’s the way my life has been right along. Since last I wrote I moved from the North American College to the generalate of the Congregation of the Resurrection, both places in Rome, and in each place I had a small bare room with a bed, a desk, a chair and a closet. That was it.
Then I moved from Rome to Chicago to another small room overlooking the Chicago River. Now, I am in a nice apartment in Woodstock, Ilinois right next to a golfcourse. In eight weeks, I get to move again, this time to a parish in Morris, Illinois. But here’s the kicker: the parish has three small houses available until they are torn down to make room for other church projects. I get to choose one of these. You know, I sometimes wonder if the Lord enjoys watching me stumble around from residence to residence. I thank him for insisting that I move often to keep me awake and agile for my next ministry lest I get too comfy in any place.
During those short stays in Rome and in the U.S., life went on, mine and yours. Life is what happens while we plan on what we think we are going to do next. Do you want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans.
Do you want to walk with God throughout life? Listen to His plans for you.
Life is a trip. For me, it seems like I am always going somewhere else. It keeps my life off-balance but interesting. The Lord guides me through communities of interesting people whom I meet along my way and He shows me new vistas.
The photo of what I call “St. Francis of the Shades” reminds me that noticing what people place in their yards can prove interesting to those of us walking by. Sometimes I wonder how much of God’s revelation I have missed by just not paying attention to the lives through which I was passing. I noticed this unusual statue of St. Francis next to a home in Skagway, Alaska. Even now it makes me smile.
I haven’t been sitting down doing nothing because doing nothing is impossible and I like to stay occupied. I’ve contacted old friends and met some new ones. I’ve done some research and worked on some projects for the Congregation of the Resurrection. Regarding the projects, I am too picky and deliberate but eventually most of these projects get done.
I’ve even been able to pray longer because I’ve made more time for prayer. Just sitting waiting on God’s presence and listening for Him has been refreshing for my spiritual life. I hope you can find some time
for that kind of prayer, too.
I know this seems abstract but it is my reflection on the meaning of what has been happening in my life.
What’s been happening in your life?