This point in any new adventure always comes: that time where everything seems to settle down into a pretty consistent groove. The time where the novelty of a new situation has become slightly dulled. The time where you begin to accept the reality of the situation you're in and begin to crave something new and exciting.
I've grown much more accustomed to the pace of things here: to the fact that I am a minority, to the reality that racism and poverty are not things that will just go away. I've become much more comfortable in the parish--the new found role of Master of Ceremonies, working with finances, the excessive amounts office work, and even preaching on occasion. This is entirely normal, and God is teaching me to grow in that.
What do I mean by this? Well it would be quite easy to slip into a simple routine with all this: go to prayer, set up for mass, go to mass, go to the office, visit a few people, come home, pray, eat, sleep, do it all again. And yet I am challenged to something more. To seek God in the mundane, the everyday. To realize that my life, no matter where I am led or what path I choose, will not be one of constant thrills. It is here, at this very moment where everything seems to be quieting down, that I need to enter more into prayer. There is still so much to learn and especially from the calmness and alone-ness of the day in/ day out.
One thing that has been troubling me lately is learning how to love those whom you know you will only be around for a short period of time. How is it that I give myself to people that I will see on a regular basis for another five weeks, that is when I head back home? This question is crucial, especially for those considering, entering, and in religious life. The reality of my life as an Edmundite is that I will never know for sure how long I will be at any given assignment. Life has so many unexpected turns that can change any number of things in a matter of minutes.
Fr. Steve became the Southern House superior and the president of the Southern Missions, Inc. when Fr. Mike died so suddenly. Fr. Steve didn't expect to hold either of these positions and didn't even want them, but he took that step of faith and took up the reigns. Things can change in a moment.
I recall Bro. Frank Hagerty telling me that when he was in a program preparing to become a retreat and spiritual director, he lamented the fact that he would only get to be in the presence of the wonderful people in the program for less than a year. He said, "At one point I told them, 'I don't care that we only have eight or so months together, and I understand that most of us will never see each other again, but that just means I'm going to enjoy the heck out of you guys while we're together!' We did just that, and to this day, it is one of my favorite years."
Teach me, O Lord, to learn to love those whom you bring into my life and those into whose lives you bring me, be it ever so short a time or perhaps even the whole way along this venturesome pilgrimage to you. Amen.
Off to New Orleans we go in the morn!
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