The Shape of Your Heart, The Focus of Your Love

What I love most about this quote from Blessed Theresa is the gentle but very real challenge that it is. These are words that hit me right in the chest - right in the heart - every time that I read them. A soft poke, whispered questions: What do I love? Does my interior landscape (the things that I spend time thinking about, the things I desire, etc) seem like a reflection of what I say I love? Would a stranger looking at my day-to-day life know what I love based on what they would see me spending my time, money, and energy on? After reflecting on these things I always find myself shaking my head with a wry smile. I know the areas in which I can do better - we all do - and part of a life of discipleship is always striving to do a bit better. Being human means, among other things, having an inborn longing to become the best and most authentic version of ourselves over the course of our lifetime. This journey to wholeness, and our desire to make this journey, reminds me of Jesus' promise that, "I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly" (Jn 10:10).

For those who are working out what they are going to do with their "one wild and precious life" (Mary Oliver), it is often helpful to take some time to consider what the shape of your heart is now and to consider what you hope the shape of your heart will become. These can be powerful insights about what makes you happy and helps you to feel most alive - what gives you abundant life.

Day 4, Chapter 4: The Art of Discernment

 “Discernment is the ability to perceive God’s work and to respond to it with enthusiasm and joy.”

 (Page 71)

This chapter/article is one that I could visit over and over again as a person’s discernment is never complete. As we go through each phase of life we discern new challenges. Yet but because of our baptism and the graces we received we can remain grounded to our call; that which brings the most energy and satisfaction to our lives. I especially appreciated the description of the five calls we are given. While it is impossible to pull out only one or two key points (it really is that good of an article!) I will name some of my favorite points...those which had me thinking deeper about my own discernment.

Discerning maturity: “We are all in the process of “becoming.” Whether we are growing in love and knowledge is a crucial discernment question.” (Page 64)

Discerning Holiness:  “Holiness is to live in the light of God’s love, before his face.” (Page 65). I am challenged to read, Therese’s (St. Therese of Lisieux) Story of a Soul.

Discerning Community: “We need one another if our minds and hearts are to be truly Christian. It is in community that we are affirmed and challenged, supported and confronted. …God gives us one another so that together we might advance in the way of his kingdom.” (Page 67)

Discerning Service: “Service or ministry essentially involves two reciprocal elements: identifying needs and naming gifts. …The challenge in this fourth baptismal call is to identify our gifts. …when are you happiest and most alive?” (Page 67)

Discerning Generosity: “Generosity is the Christian way of life flowing out of a sense of being gifted and grounded in an attitude of gratitude.” “Discernment leads us to recognize that God wants us to be not only recipients of his blessings but also transmitters of his grace.” (Page 68) 

Reflection Questions:
1. Bishop Robert Morneau names several Mentors of Discernment, do you have a mentor that you would add to this list?

2. Have you had a significant life experience that shaped the person you are today?

3. What makes you most alive or happiest in life?

Day 3, Chapter 3: The Foundations and Dynamics of Prayer

“Prayer is the food for our life with God; without it we suffer from malnourishment.” (Page 44)

I can still clearly remember the day I was confirmed in the Catholic Church. As each student approached the Bishop we were asked a question or two about our faith. I was nervous as my sponsor and I stood in front of the Bishop my heart beating hard and my mind racing, praying for an easy question. My question: “What is your favorite prayer and who taught it to you,” caught me off guard but I quickly answered The Memorare and my parent? As I walked back to my pew I kept thinking to myself how did I get such an easy question….little did I understand then the importance of a solid prayer foundation in my life. Prayers are often one of the first things we teach children. My nephew can quickly recite his dinner prayer and my sister can probably say the Guardian Angel prayer in one breath; we always prayed together as a family, from an early age it was a priority. Yet the older I get the more difficult I find it is to structure significant prayer time in my life. It’s not that I’m too busy or that I have forgotten to pray but perhaps because our foundation of prayer is only taught to a certain level. What once worked in my family home, suddenly doesn’t fit in my personal life. Feeling less than satisfied with how much time I was actually praying, I recall sitting in a graduate Theology class and reading an article much similar to this and things finally made sense. Our individual prayer lives are our unique opportunity to carve out a specific relationship with Christ. In this chapter Robin Ryan, OP, reminds us that that works for me may not work for others but it is mine. I needed to create a sacred space that enabled me to dive into deep conversation with Christ, to be honest, to listen to my heart and make prayer a priority in my daily life; this is always evolving and will continue to as I grow and change as an adult.    

Do you have a strong prayer foundation?

What is your favorite prayer or method of prayer?

Words of Wisdom from our Foundress

What modes of prayer are helpful to you at this time in your life? How might you deepen your commitment to prayer in order to keep the love of God burning in your heart?

Coloring as a Way of Praying...

Coloring has always been one of my favorite past-times! I have numerous coloring books or pads of white paper for doodling and when I pack for a long trip my colored pencils are often one of the first items that get added to my carry-one bag. In the last few years significant research has been conducted on the effects of coloring, especially its use in relieving stress and most recently as a way of praying. 

Carl Jung, a Psychology expert noted the benefits of coloring as a way of relaxing and created mandalas as a tool for channeling a person’s stress onto paper. Mandalas are large circular designs with intricate details that often resemble stained glass windows. Often when I find that I can’t find the words to pray or my mind is wondering I pull out a mandala and my colored pencils (crayons or markers work too) and sit in prayer letting my thoughts flow through the details in the mandala and the various colors that I chose. 

Another way using coloring to pray is through a program called Praying in Color by Sybil MacBeth. This program offers several techniques to help a person pray through their doodling. The website, www.prayingincolor.com is a great resource. I have used the simple techniques individually and with large groups and I continue to be amazed at how reflecting on a simple prayer or person while doodling can have such a positive impact on me. Not only am I more relaxed but I feel a strong connection to my faith. This is by far one of my favorite ways to pray. 

Here are a few examples of my praying through mandalas, it is my hope that this simple and creative way of praying works for you. 

 

 

 *These mandalas are from the book, Coloring Mandalas 2 for Balance Harmony and Spiritual Well-Being, by Susanne F. Fincher, 2004