“God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
As the seasons begin to change and the colours of leaves turn orange, brown and grey, we can hear nature beckoning us to follow. Change is not easy, but sometimes necessary. Recently, I felt at a crossroad to make choices and decisions on certain matters at work and personal, that affect me and others. We are unique and with that we make different choices. What are our actions or words in those difficult moments where darkness wants to seep it’s way in or we begin to feel painted into a corner, powerless? Do we stand still or move forward?
As humans, things can make us angry or sad, we then make choices in those states of being but sometimes we can forget to look at the whole picture. If a fire is burning, would you stand next to it to decide what to do or stand back to find the solution? When we stand back we can invite clarity into our perspective. It is safer on the soul. St. Ignatius puts forth, if one is struggling in a decision, where you may feel indifferent or calm yet unresolved, he invites us to look at problem as if you were a stranger in it or look at it as if you were at the end of your life looking back on it and reflect on the stirrings inside you. It takes one our of their own head and allows one to have more clarity and answers.
So I tried this in a few decisions I needed to make, that were not easy ones. Quite amazing the answer became clear like a icy glass cleared by the heat of the sun. Taking the emotion and ego away from the problem inserts a indifference that sometimes is needed when we infuse God’s ways. How easily one can get caught in feelings and emotions but sadness can be a red flag that we need to find a way forward. Sadness can be a springboard to help us reflect on the moment and also a strong sign to move forward before getting lost in a sea of sadness.
A flame needs oxygen to glow and be light in the world. We can use God’s love and give oxygen to ourselves and others and breathe life into the world. A soul on fire can be a source of powerful love but it also needs to calmed and quieted, to listen. Solitude in the darkness can flourish the soul but staying too long in a cycle of bitterness can leave one feeling down. As a stranger I asked God, what do you want me to embrace and let go? The solution that began in confusion was made clear with God’s love and formula. He asked me to journey on, focus on Him, embrace those around me in love but also embrace myself with His love. Sometimes we forget the need for this in our life. God is gentle and softly invites us, in all the moments.
Peace,
Claudia
Ournourishedsoul