We Go On

In watching quite a number of people walk by my window just now, I noticed they were wearing light jackets or at least two layers. So, that means it is cooler out than I anticipated. When I came to work today, I walked quickly, thinking it would be very cool but was surprised at how nice it was.

In just this tiny observation, I have captured the weather pattern of the immediate past. It has been so sporadic, one cannot decide what to wear. I think our surroundings make us act accordingly. For example, I have been very uncomfortable inside the building where I work lately. It’s the in-between time when the furnace is still operating, and the windows are still closed. Therefore, I have been slow to get things done even to the point of lateness—even in a rather lackadaisical manner.

I begin to wonder if that is characteristic of our faith lives. When my body is feeling peppy, even quite enthusiastic, I might produce things quickly, certainly in a timely manner with some purpose pushing me along. But when I am aching, for example, from too much exercise, I have problems putting words on paper. Or if my spirit is hurting because of world matters such as war conditions in Ukraine or killings in Sudan, my thoughts are hard to express. I am almost paralyzed in my imagination, not wanting to go there. Not even able to pray.

What do we do? We go on.

We go on, being uncomfortable, achy, hurting…

Mary Jane Berger, OSB

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash