I’ve been reading the Rule of Benedict …. The other day I came across this gem from Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB in her commentary on Benedict’s Rule: “Work is not just a job; it is our exercise in miracle making.” That got me thinking: I’ve just begun a “new job.” I’m “in transition.” This is all “new ministry.” I’m going through all the mixed feelings one experiences in a new place, doing new things, longing for “the old,” for the “tried and true,” for what “worked” in the past. But it is in the present that God IS. And so I’m trying anew today to practice the spiritual exercise of “miracle making.” How about you? How are you making miracles today?
6 Responses
Thanks, Susan. I’ll see about a few little miracles at this corner of the country, you take care of New Mexico, OK?
Rest assured your chili sisters are praying for you as you begin your God-initiated and God-provisioned new miracles at Pecos Monastery! We look forward to seeing you soon (after the “miracles” of moving in/settling in have happened, probably…!) May He bless you richly during this time with His gentle, saving presence…
I, too, have begun a new job and new ministry; a calling which has taken me from the west (Denver) to the deep south (Birmingham, AL). I know the feelings you describe, the yearning for the “old,” “the tried-and-true.” I look forward to meeting new people and having new experiences. When I yearn for yesterday, I turn to a few sources to help me look forward to the present, to where God has now asked me to be. One source is William Saroyan’s “The Time of your Life.” (It’s a sizable piece, so in the interest of time and space, I’ll just reference it.) In my career as a physician, and now a teaching physician providing care to a poor and destitute population, I’m always reminded, in just about each encounter I have, of Blessed Mother Teresa: “they are all Jesus, in a distressing disguise.”
Best wishes on your ministry in New Mexico. God’s richest blessings always.
Joan Chittister’s words are thought provoking. Yesterday I finished my second week of teaching at Loyola Chicago. Every day I teach I have before me forty miracles. Some are truly on their journey of self discovery and searching for God in their lives. God bless their comings and goings and keep them safe.
I just returned from the birthday party of one of my neighbors who just turned two, so I thank God for Millie’s life and the lives of all of her friends. Miracles were popping out all over during the celebration.
Susan, I wish you all the best as you begin your new ministry. Pecos Monastery and all those who are served there will be blessed by your presence.
Yes, I do feel miracles! Daily turning my day over to God asking him for his strength to do his will. It is amazing what he teaches me! With him in charge I am able to do so much more, learn more, be so much more!!! It keeps my spirituallity coming back:)
Thanks for helping us to see God in the everyday, small miracles of life, Susan! Staying open to joining God in His work, wherever that may be, helps me to be continually aware of HIs presence…and hopefully, be an “assistant” to His miracles! I know that He will use you in that capacity for sure!