OK, I think we will never finish this book! I think part of the reason is that somewhere down deep, we may not want to. This book is a process and as such, as we read each part there seems to be things that speak to each one of us and as the book states, allows God to meet us where we are.
Yesterday found us missing two members...though one was on the other side of the door working. :) We had a very good discussion about Chapter 12, "What Should I Do?" In this chapter Fr. Martin addresses discernment. Discernment is the process that one follows to come to decisions using the spiritual tools of prayer and scripture or "listening" to God in the many ways that God communicates with us.
What should I do is a question that is often circling in the heads of those who are not actively receiving an income or someone who is trying to fulfill their role, (IE: mother, father, etc.) but wants to use their best judgement. It is a great question at the moment since two of us are stay at home moms, and one has been unemployed for a year...but it goes beyond the work situation. As addressed earlier in the book, it is hard to live in a society that values money and stature over values. For myself and I am sure Dawn, staying home with our children allows us to be of service in many other ways, and it allows me to write. It also allows us to alleviate some pressure on the household schedule. We want for nothing except perhaps quiet. All of our basic needs are provided and the things we live without, we can live without. For me, the ability to be present to my three daughters is what I need.
Another member of our group is healing from a hurt brought about by the last job she held. Perhaps God is giving her the time she needs to recharge her own batteries as she is a very dynamic individual. But in the meantime her experience and insights are valuable to us and she presents herself as a faithful servant of Christ each day...wherever that may take her.
For another, it is dealing with her grown children. How much support is too much support? She is completely reliant on God's presence in her life. For her, indifference is a very valuable tool as she watches her children try to fly on their own, at times a very emotional thing to witness.
In an attempt for all of us to be our "best selves" we are taking this book and this process slowly. It is funny how God draws us inward to hear him and then outward to see him in the support and the friendship that surrounds us.
Please share any experiences you wish on this blog. We will be listening.
