When I found this community, it was because I have a dear friend who was headed into exploratory surgery, and I had been searching the web looking for healing prayers and came upon this website. The opportunities for learning and self-discovery appeal to me and I thought I'd find out what it's about.
I am a 45 year old mother of a 5 year old daughter. I live in Austin, Texas. I would characterize my faith walk as a journey that continually surprises me and brings me joy. I have had a number of roles within my faith life - ranging from mowing the lawn to heading up the long range planning committee to helping a friend determine his calling for ministry to organizing a parish visioning exercise. And I've done everything in between. Currently, I teach our faith stories to the 3 - 7 year olds.
I believe that God puts us in situations where we need to be at any given time - and that the universe unfolds itself in ways that may seem unfathomable at the time - but that make sense looking at the long term sequence of events.
Currently, my professional life goes extremely well - but I strugglle in my personal life. I find myself questioning decisions that I have made - which is counterproductive and antithetical to who I am. I have always known intuitively, no matter what the circumstance, that the only way forward, is forward. So, even though I feel stuck, I know the answer will come to me. Probably not as an epiphany - although it may - but in the sense that I stumble into good - and realize that I have moved in the right direction. In the meantime, I focus on my friends and my child and the love that I have for the people in my life. And, I try - as much as possible - to make sure I am thankful every day for the gifts - and that I offer up the difficulties. I think this outlook helps maintain my optimism and belief that life is at essence good.
I think Lent is a good time for this reflection. It reminds me of my connection to God, and helps me to focus on quiet reflection and spiritual renewal.
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