In an instant, the world can change.
In a short period of time, we received word of a dear friend needing unexpected heart surgery, a baby being born, a friend going into a coma, a couple separating, a new job starting, a world view changing, experiencing new avenues of self-knowledge.
There is a constant shifting that happens all around us. Most of the time, it is imperceptible. We move through the motions of the day unaware that the ground is moving below us. Which it literally is although in this sense, we are speaking figuratively. It’s moving, but we cannot discern the movements because the vibrations are so faint. And when an earthquake hits, literally and figuratively, the world as you know it has changed. It happens in an instant.
The purpose of this reflection is not to cause heart palpitations or to increase your anxiety. It’s simply to remind us to pause and reflect. Why is it that we wait until something “big” happens which causes us, or often forces us to make major changes in our lives. We are not meant to coast through this life safely with nothing more than itty bitty waves lapping against our boat. We are meant to live this life in all its fullness. This means as our boat crosses the ocean, the weather can go from serene and calm to a lashing storm in which we hang on for dear life. We are meant to seize the moments of each day, whatever may come – all of it.
It is not humanly possible to have a plan a, b, c and d for every scenario of potential life-altering change. We would be one highly anxious individual on the brink of a breakdown if this is how we “operated” in life. It is humanly impossible. But it is possible to be at peace regardless of the life-altering scenario.
When we believe that we have a provident loving Father in heaven who is watching out for us and who loved us even before our existence, if we believe, is there anything in life that we cannot face with Him carrying us? If we believe that Jesus suffered, died and rose again, that He endured all that we endure, except for sin, what is there in life that we cannot face with Him accompanying us? If we believe that the Holy Spirit prompts us, guides us, protects us, inspires us, what is there in life that we cannot face with Him dwelling in us? How awesome is that?!
When we know and believe this, the world changing around us becomes a part of the fabric of our story. When we know and believe this, the peace that only God can give becomes a tangible, lived experience. We may not always understand why He moves in the way He does, but human understanding is limited. Our vision and our perspectives on what we see as “good” and “bad” are limited. We are not exempt from suffering in this life but when we believe, there is a transformative, redemptive quality that is unexplainable.
So should our life change in an instant, rest in Him. We can always rest in Him. And rest in Him now so that when life throws a curve ball, because we are aware of the graces surrounding us, we simply stand at attention and catch it. In an instant our life can change. But in that instant, the change may be the catalyst leading us to deeper levels of healing, wholeness and holiness.
Sister Mary Scholastica, O.C.D.
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This article appears here with the kind permission of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. To learn more about their community and work, read their biography below and visit their website.
We encourage you to support the work of the sisters with your prayers and through donations and planned giving. Click here to learn more..
If you hear God calling you to the religious life, I encourage you to visit their vocations page. – Deacon Mike
Or for more information, please contact:
Vocation Directress
920 East Alhambra Road
Alhambra, California 91801
To learn more about the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, read their biography below and visit their website.
We encourage you to support the work of the sisters with your prayers and through donations and planned giving. Click here to learn more..
If you hear God calling you to the religious life, I encourage you to visit their vocations page. – Deacon Mike
Or for more information, please contact:
Sister Maria Goretti, O.C.D., Vocation Directress
920 East Alhambra Road
Alhambra, California 91801
