The Hokey Pokey of Life

As many can probably tell from the silence on the blog it has been a bit busy around here. There continues to be many committee meetings getting ready for our upcoming community meetings. Ah yes...always something. :) But, do not fret...we've also had a bit of fun as well. This past weekend we had our annual Circle of Friends Celebration. It is a way for us to thank and celebrate with those who support us throughout the year in many ways. The afternoon always opens with an outdoor liturgy, followed by a picnic and our famous duck race. Watching the children's race is especially fun as we get to watch them chasing their ducks down the water path behind our Community Living Center. This year as a special surprise we were visited by an ice cream truck.

As if that all wasn't enough...I have also been in the process of beginning to look for a full time ministry (aka a job). So...I have been checking the paper, online sites..etc...so please keep me in prayer as I search for a position that will allow me to be God's hands and feet in the world today.


I have been reflecting a lot on the many twists and turns my discernment and formation journeys have taken as I continue to discern temporary profession in community. So...for those who have heard the original story it is probably no surprise that the Hokey Pokey has been coming to my heart and mind quite a bit lately. (If only it were that easy to let our selves been turned about by the spirit.) I thought I would share a reflection I wrote on just that with you.

The Hokey Pokey

            During my time in Chicago we each chose a different ministry to be a part of one day a week. At the end of the day we would often end up sharing many of the experiences we had during the day. This is a reflection on one of my favorite conversations about ministry.   

            “Do you know what I learned today?”, came the question across the Novitiate dinner table in Chicago. “Tell us”, was the response that came from the novices and directors gathered. With sincere seriousness Zita, my good friend and fellow novice, shared that she had learned that the Hokey Pokey is truly what “it is all about”.

             

            We all burst into laughter, even I. That is, until I was blessed with the same insight. Though typically thought of as a child’s dance it has much to speak to us as adults on the spiritual journey.

           

            Throughout our lives we constantly walk the dance of saying yes, God use me, but only part of me, while desiring to give our whole selves over to his love and will. My constant prayer is that the spirit truly turns me all about with the reminder that I need to say yes to God with my whole self.  When we truly have our whole heart, mind, and soul, in connection with our creator we can live a full, whole, holy, life. As I continue walking the journey of discernment I know I will continue doing my own version of the Hokey Pokey. I pray I will be granted the grace to truly give myself  fully to God and his love.