I have tried all day
to write this post, and I'm kind of stuck.Could that be (I wonder) because I, myself, am kind of stuck? We've often said that a person entering physically cloistered life is either in or out. She does not stick her head in and leave her arms and legs dangling outside the enclosure door, perhaps to be brought in at a later date. I find it a helpful image, for I can so easily bring part of my life into the will of God while leaving some of me outside. I might find myself clutching this little worry, that tiny vice, that long held attachment...
Could it be that I've set up camp right on the edge of the doorway? Am I parked on the threshold of living for God - not totally out, but not totally in?
I'm helped by remembering that, in deciding to live "in God's will," I am not simply stepping away from something. I'm not just saying farewell to complacency and sin and compromise so I can become "a better person." No.
I am moving toward something. Or I should say, toward SomeONE. It is for Him that I step through the door into surrender to His will. And all the steps after - all of those stairs and turns and inner doorways that frighten me now with whispers of "but what if this happens," and "what if you lose that" - I will not have to take those steps alone. I will not be by myself as I live within His will.
All I have to do is let Him carry me over it in His arms.
"My Jesus, please accept the offering and the sacrifice that I
make to You this day, as I once more sincerely offer to You my entire will.
Tell me what You want me to do. Your holy grace will help me to do it."
(St. Alphonsus Liguori)
Painting: Vilhelm Hammershoi;
bottom copy digitally altered using a painting by James Tissot
This is a repost from our archives. It is linked to Reconciled to You and Theology is a Verb for 'It's Worth Revisiting Wednesday.'
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I love the picture! This post really gave me much to ponder. I think I amd half in and half out too, at least at times.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Candy!
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