So Hard to Do (9/14/2023)

Last night was our first faith formation class of the year. We had a great class. The students are pretty spectacular. I think we will have a great year. When we set the rules for the class, “respect” was the first thing suggested by the youth. They know the need for it. They appreciate it when it is shown to them. We talked about respecting the teacher, eyes on the teacher, listening to the teacher. They all agreed it was the way to go, the thing to do. But then things happen, and it is so hard to do.

After class, I reflected on what worked well and on what was problematic. Before the next class, I will make some changes. We’ll sit in a circle of desks rather than in rows. We’ll use the books which will help to anchor them in the activities. And I’ll give them pencils to doodle. And we’ll adjust accordingly.

Our class reminded me of life. It’s not that our intentions are not in the right place, they are. It’s not that we don’t know what is right and good. Things happen that distract us, things happen around us and we respond or we react, and suddenly we can’t remember what we’d planned to do because we’re so deep into something else.

Like in class, in life we have to find ways to keep our mind and heart on the respect we vowed we’d show. Prayer is a good way to do that, stopping frequently to refocus on our love for the LORD and the desire to live that love well. We must remain open to adjustments, as well. When we realize that what we’re doing isn’t working, it is foolish to keep doing it.

How do we know that we need to make adjustments? Reflection on our days, on our journeys are essential. Did our day go as planned? Was the difference one that was good and therefore Spirit led or not so good and therefore one that reminds us of our need for respect for our LORD’s desires for us and time spent asking for the LORD’s help?

Most everyone I know is good to the core. Getting in touch with that core is essential. Allowing the One who created us, loves us, and who gifts us for our journey to guide us is also essential. Opening ourselves to the power of the Spirit daily is a given for the journey if we hope to make it to our destination. Bringing our needs to the LORD and asking for the help of the Spirit is a must for our journey.

Part of my reflection every evening as I pray the Prayer of Peace is recognizing when I failed to show love when encountering hate, to pardon another when injured, to show faith when encountering doubt, to show hope when encountering doubt, to be Christ’s light in the darkness, or to display the joy of life in Christ when faced with sadness. I take the time to ask for forgiveness for my failing. And I take the time to ask for help in responding better tomorrow, help from the Spirit, guidance from the Spirit.

Jesus knew we would struggle. He told us so. But He also assured us the gift of the Spirit from the Father. Let us respect the gift, let us use the gift. Heaven knows we wish to do the right thing, but it can be so hard.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.