Coming Home to Others
The more we spend time listening to God who abides within us, and as we grow more deeply connected and rooted in this presence, we inevitably begin to experience a natural ebb and flow that moves us from the inner self out into the world. Yet the two (inner and outer worlds) are never mutually exclusive, never an either-or choice any more than the ocean can exist separate from the beach, or the tides function separately from the phases of the moon.
This outward movement may be surprising, especially to some who consider themselves contemplatives, but it will inevitably begin to make itself known. As an introvert, I know that it can be easy to confuse introversion with desire for a contemplative, quiet life of solitude. But true contemplation always, in God’s timing, leads us out from our inner cocoon, or perhaps it leads the world into our contemplative center. And it may expand to an unquenchable desire to serve or more intentionally connect with others within our community groups.
This desire often fashions itself into a calling, something that feels essential, core to your identity, something planted within that God has asked you to tend. I recognize it as the deep desire that says, “I can’t not do this.” If I sit with that desire for a few days or weeks, I know it to be true calling if it doesn’t fade away. And it will never feel contrary to Jesus’ promise not to lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on me.
This sense of being called out of the contemplative womb calls for some discernment in part because we often get this reversed in our lives. We often start out looking for purpose and meaning in outward acts of service, charity, and good deeds, without first knowing the essentials of who we are in Christ. And while there is not a thing wrong with serving in this way, we cannot fully find our calling through volunteerism until we’ve claimed our own beloved-ness as we come home to self and to God. Then we begin to discover the gifts and calling planted within us that touches the world.
What calls to you these days? How are you discerning where and why you feel compelled to connect in specific ways with others? Discerning the movement of God in life is the focus of spiritual direction, and my door is always open to explore with you those essential parts of Divine presence in your life.
