Putting Away Childish Things

Much of the past several months have been spent in learning what the distractions are that prevent me from fully participating in life in God. While that may sound somewhat elevated in tone, the truth is, participating in life in God is the only thing that really matters to me. Naturally, life in God includes family relationships and other people, but at what point is something a distraction? When does a person become a distraction?

Having identified that my angry reaction to the over precise priest as my own deep roots in the Cistercian world view, has helped me to understand that in the future when I encounter overly precise priests I should look beyond it, and not be astonished at it. Another thing that God has helped me see is how important it is that I continue in this reclusive life, and continue to offer intercession for myself, and for the world. There are only a few friends left that cannot understand that when I say no, I am not refusing them, but remaining faithful to who I am. They may come see me, or I may go see them, but there will not be dinner parties, or great big reunions.

This has been a difficult process for some friends, and for others they understood it immediately. God has called me into this solitude for a reason, and my job is to remain open to that calling so that when the reason is revealed, I may be ready to act. During this summer I have been tested on many levels both physical and spiritual, just as the Lord has told me would happen. Yet, I am still here.

Let me say this: I am not a saint. I am not your guru. I am not a holy man. I am only me. Give your thanks to God.