Reopening the Gate

DRIED UP

When writing a blog is is said that consistency is key. Write daily or weekly in order to maintain success and rhythm. The same can be said for spirituality. Establishing a routine, prayer upon waking meditation, nightly reflection, attend mass, go to confession, even join a group that builds your spirituality. All of these are key to a life that usually is not upended by crisis as it built upon a foundation.

For over a 15 months I have not written a single post. Life events such as a parent passing after a prolonged illness and lately the Coronavirus pandemic has distracted me. For the longest time I had absolutely no desire to even write anymore. Work was consuming me as well as my inner distractions that took me away from spiritual writing. Periodically I would write in a notebook, but even that was consistent. The many voices of the thief were calling me here, calling me there. Even though the shepherd was calling the voice was not strong, until today when the voice was clear, "You need to start writing in your blog again."

THE CALL

Perhaps the crowd that listened to Peter had some influence as he proclaimed: Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Their response was "What are we to do?" (ACTS 2:14A, 36-41) Exactly, what am I to do? Seek the good shepherd. Quiet those voices that call you out and distract you.  So much as Samuel proclaimed. "Here I am Lord," I do the same. Here I am Lord, what do you want me to do? How will you inspire me to write? For I am in the flock sometimes and other times I wander and feel distressed.  I have stumbled on the rocky path, I have wandered into the dark valleys where the wolf prowls and the food does not fill me. Yet I come back as I hear the shepherd  say, "Come through this gate. Bring your tired souls brokenness, for I will give you rest."

THOUGHT

So as I ponder these times, the constant and tragic news of death, job loss, especially among the most vulnerable, I ponder for a moment, "What gate is the Good Shepherd opening for us now?" I leave with this part of the Serenity Prayer from Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Living one day at a time,Enjoying one moment at a time,Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,Taking, as Jesus did,This sinful world as it is,Not as I would have it,Trusting that You will make all things right,If I surrender to Your will,So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,And supremely happy with You forever in the next.