Will and Grace

God's will - often tricky to discern and even trickier to live.  Recently, Deacon Tim has found himself smack dab in the middle of a life-changing event, questioning God's will.  God's grace rescued him, though, and Tim's encouragement came from a very unlikely source.

Nope, that's all I'm going to say - you're going to have to listen to the podcast!

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Comments

[Sister Honey Bunch]

I look forward to this every week.

[Linda]

Ditto, Sister Honey Bunch!

[Miz Booshay]

And the young kangaroo in her pouch said, “Me, too!

[Stacey]

Very apropos for my life. I wonder how many others are going to say the same for themselves. I am looking in my sweatshirt drawer this morning to see what inspiration I can find for my day!
Reply to this

[Miz Booshay]

Dear Tim.
Your obedience shines glory on God.

Do you know this song?

Here I am Lord by Daniel Schutte

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.

I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

God bless you.

[Miz Booshay]

Oh. My first sentence may be wrong....
but I hope you know what I mean.

Glory to God.

[Snafu]

I LOVE that song!!!

[Deacon Tim]

Thanks to everyone for their supportive comments. I am familiar with the song "Here I Am, Lord." I feel a bit guilty, because even though the recent move has been challenging, there are people out there with what I call "real problems," meaning they struggle with the necessities of life, abuse, neglect and that sort of thing. My concerns pale in comparison to the daily burdens of so many people. Still, the point is that we all need to be watchful. God is so good to each of us that no matter what our level of difficulty, He is there guiding us.

[John the Blessed]

It has been a while since I have commented on the podcasts, but the time is right. Some of you may remember me as Seminarian John in prior posts. This podcast hits home on many levels for me - let me explain.

Recently God has called me on a different path, outside of the path to priesthood and back into life as a lay faithful. I also was not sure I was understanding or hearing correctly the voice of God calling me into this new direction - maybe I should say I was shocked that my life would be turned upside down again. I only want to do the will of God in my life, but to change directions so drastically for a second time after starting over just three years before as a seminarian. Is this really you God was my question. And it was/is. It has been a sometimes painful and sometimes grace-filled process as I continue to discern the next step that God has for me. One story/witness to God's goodness and His being with me in my time of transition:

As I returned last month to St. Meinrad to gather my belongings and say my goodbyes, I had many moments of grace and peace, as well as a few of anxiety and pain. The most profound moment of grace was in my final moments before leaving on the nine hour drive back to Tulsa. I was standing at the elevator with my last cart load of books and things to load in my car and then I would be leaving. My room was empty, y goodbyes had been said, and this was my last trip to the car. I had on my cart a computer and a small refrigerator that I was unable to fit in my car, so I was going to leave them in the "giveaway room" for the other students to have access to. I pushed the down button on the elevator, closed my eyes and was led to pray, "God, let this computer and refrigerator go to someone who can really use them."

Within seconds the elevator door opened and two brother seminarians stepped off and said, "John, we were looking for you because we want to borrow your cart." I said I was on my last trip and they could come with me and take the cart when it was unloaded into my car. I then asked, "Could either of you use a computer or a refrigerator?" One stated that he had been wanting a refrigerator and could really use it, the other just stood there and stared at me with his mouth open like he was in shock, almost as if in disbelief. I asked if he was okay and it took a moment for him to respond because he was in a way, dumbfounded. He finally said, "My computer crashed a couple of days ago and I have been stressing about how I was going to be able to afford another one." God had answered my prayer in a matter of seconds. He gave me the grace and prompting to say the prayer, and then He gave me the answer as if to say, "See John, I'm still in charge." In the same moment he fulfilled the needs of these two seminarians, and for one of them in a very profound way.

I shared this testimony with these two seminarians as we rode the elevator and delivered the refrigerator and computer to their rooms. God, through me and my obedience, blessed them also. But through my obedience and submission blessed me with a calmness and peace as I drove away from St. Meinrad that I can't imagine I would have had if that last exchange would not have happened.

Thanks Deacon Tim for your continued submission to the will of God in you and your family's lives. I had the honor of joining Catholic Charities in Tulsa at Mass on Ash Wednesday and Connie sat next to me. It was a special moment to join hands as we prayed the Our Father and then share with her the sign of peace. We all share an openness to God's working and moving in our lives at this moment. You and Connie are such strong inspirations for my walk in life. Thanks for honoring me with your friendship.

[Deacon Tim]

Thank you, John, for your story and your own faithfulness. You have evangelized many, many people and will continue to affect people's lives. I pray for your discernment of the next chapter in your life. Thanks especially for your sensitivity to Connie and her presence at Catholic Charities. As a friend of mine wrote to me recently, "Let's connect through the Eucharist." That's how it should be.

Last night I met a cousin of Connie's for dinner here in NY. She and I had never talked before. Our dinner lasted 3 and 1/2 hours, and was one of the most "graced" conversations I have ever had. An example: I told her how during a retreat several years ago I had been led in the middle of the night to meditate on the Fourth Station of the Cross, when Jesus meets Mary at Calvary. Connie's cousin, Mary Jane, stared at me and said that she had an artistic rendering of the Fourth Station of the Cross in her home that she had thought before she even met me that she wanted to show us. So God is very good, the deepest good that is beyond imagining.

[Steph]

I found my way here through Ree's blog ... and like many things these days.. had to grin that I had stumbled across (ok... I do know it is no accident) 'another' Catholic resource in my life. When I was young, I attended catechism right up until it would have been time for first communion, my Mom decided I was to young for such a serious decision, our whole family as far as the eye could see, was Protestant. I have been Pentecostal, Methodist, and Fundamental Baptist. Always something was missing. Something deeper. Ritual. Then I found myself here...and downloaded a load of podcasts.. then more sites, then located our local Catholic church... and have already decided... i will be converting. It just feels right. So see... people DO convert because of this podcast ;)Keep up the amazing work, I look forward to each new episode.

[Cyndi]

Steph,
Deacon Tim and I had a conversation today, and I told him about your comment (he's in the process of moving and without a computer at home). We are so humbled that God has made us a small part of your spiritual journey. Isn't it exciting to be a part of this adventure that Tim talks about so much in our podcasts? A life of complete abandonment to God is so rich and full (and challenging!). Please keep us posted about your journey - we really want to know!

Peace be with you,
Cyndi