Persevering and Getting Nowhere

“Persevering and getting nowhere,” is one of the most disheartening things in my spiritual life, or at least it was until I found “The Benedictine Handbook” and learned how to get out of it.  This book has helped me on so many things, and I recommend it highly.

 ”Tools of Benedictine Spirituality”

Perseverance

“Choices cause consequences. In the midst of our first enthusiasm, (for our journey) we need to take a stern stock of ourselves and embrace a disciplined spirituality.  Unless we recognize our genuine weakness we become sadly lost.”

“The real difficulty comes further on the journey when we are called to negotiate the times and seasons that are the natural part of the growth.  Dramatic conversion is rarely the stuff of the journey and often it takes time before we realize we are on the wrong road.  How can we recognize such?  First, a sense of drudgery pervades our life.  Notice this is not difficulty or suffering-both means by which God can foster growth – but rather a sense we are not getting anywhere.  Our prayers seem routine and we feel disengaged from others.  This malaise can be good.  It is as though God is letting us run out of petrol in the hope that we must stop and ask direction.”

“At such times we need to reassess our lives.  We who have prayed much may be called to shift the balance to service, we who have been hospitable may be called to withdraw in silent prayer, we who have been still may be called to study.  The purpose of this testing is to make us sensitive to the Spirit at work in our hearts and so be schooled to love God and others more creatively.”

“Over time, the decisions we make and the practices we embrace form us, hopefully into Christ.  Shaped by his Gospel and surrounded by others we may persevere to the fullness of everlasting life in the Kingdom of God.”

Benedictine Handbook

Kym Harris OSB (Contributor)

My Note:  Sometimes when we find ourselves on the “wrong road” or “getting nowhere” maybe we need a little help in understanding why.  We need to go and look for material that can help us, talk with a friend, spiritual advisor, regroup, and start over. Having a more “disciplined spirituality,” “recognizing my weakness,” most of all “asking God for direction” has greatly helped.  Making good and right choices I have learned do not have such “severe consequences.”  The “right tools” makes all the difference in the world in completing the job!

God Bless, SR

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