Which Could? (01/19/2025)

This morning as I sat outside on my porch with my rapidly icing coffee, beginning my day with the LORD in prayerful conversation, a little bit of me was whispering, “You could do this inside.” And I smiled. There was that “could” that I’d learned had two sides. And I suddenly was warmed by the memories of three brave souls who helped me learn that lesson.

I was blessed to be named the head of multiple departments for the Diocese of Madison.

And I was further blessed to be given a staff of two remarkable women of faith: Sr. Marcia and Lori. The three of us would gather every morning at 8:30 for prayer. We’d bring our ministries to the LORD and seek direction. Together we recognized the two “coulds” – what could go wrong and what could go right. With three eyes on the situation and three approaches honed through life experience, we were able to see the “negative coulds” that needed to be addressed such as “staffs could feel overwhelmed” and prayerfully discern how to take the “positive coulds” such as “parish staff days” ahead with faith and hope. One thing we three tried very hard to do was not let the fear of what could go wrong rob the world of the goodness that doing our ministry could bring about.

At one point, I recall a priest who dropped by to visit called us the “fearless trio.” I had to laugh. He had no idea how wrong he was. We knew fear. We dealt with it frequently. We understood the feelings of doubt and inadequacy. But we also believed that what we prayerfully discerned together would be guided by the Spirit and we trusted. We were afraid, but we weren’t immobilized.

I look back at those years and realize all over again how blessed I was to serve with those two. I also thank the LORD for giving me the lesson of “coulds.” I still carry it. I am afraid it surprises some. When there is a possibility for good and others are slow to step up, I will. This is true. But I believe that we should never pass on doing a good for fear of what could go wrong. If we prayerfully proceed and seek the help of others, the good the LORD calls us to is possible.

Our journeys of faith, hope and love are full of “coulds.” There are opportunities daily for us to do good in, with and through the Spirit. It won’t always be easy, but it is possible. Funny how a cold morning in January reminded me of the “coulds” and of two brave souls who taught me and accompanied me through some very rocky terrain many years ago.

As we continue on our spiritual journeys, let us remain open to the positive “coulds” in our lives. Let us bring them to the LORD for help and guidance. Let us open our minds and hearts to what He calls us to in the moment. Let us recognize that fear isn’t a sign to quit, it’s a reminder that shouldn’t try to go it alone.

What “coulds” will you encounter today?

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.