God's Surprises
Never go ahead of grace
through imprudent eagerness
but await its moment in peace,
and when it comes to you,
follow it with great gentleness and courage.
Once you have obeyed, take care lest complacency
rob you of the fruit of your obedience.
Maxim of Love 6:9
Jean-Pierre Medaille, SJ
Sharing our stories...
Never go ahead of grace
through imprudent eagerness
but await its moment in peace…
I have valued this maxim ever since I first heard it in the JP Medaille course that I took in 1999. Over the years, I have heard the words echo in my mind whenever I was attempting to do “something” in haste. Yes, being an Aries, I am spontaneous in character. This maxim has taught me patience, and more importantly, to control the wagging of my tongue among friends and family!
And when it comes to you…
For the past five years, I have worked at Brookstreet Hotel. It is a job that I have loved ever since my first day. I have grown in knowledge both personally and professionally as I have lived Brookstreet’s model of Work * Play * Getaway and the SPICIER Values created by those who manage the hotel. In November, my department was in an upheaval that carried through to the end of February. My own life began a daily routine of eating, sleeping and working. This routine began to make me miserable. One evening, while walking with my sister, her words, “Then, quit” resounded loud and clear. It was the right thing to do.
follow it with great gentleness and courage…
I truly needed to follow this decision with great gentleness and courage. Brookstreet was a family to me – the friends I made; the accomplishments I achieved! How does one leave all that behind? I was taking a risk! However, the fruits of the Spirit were ripe, and to my surprise, my emotions were intact. My transition to semi-retirement has been a joy, and has unlocked a path of new adventures full of vitality and renewed creativity.
Once you have obeyed, take care lest complacency rob you of the fruit of your obedience.
Each night, I offer up thanks. I am so grateful for this new time in my life – a time that came as a complete surprise. My decision to retire was spontaneous, yes! But this time my spontaneity was God-inspired. Alleluia!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -think about such things." - Philippians 4:6-8 (New International Version (NIV)
Comments