The Week 10 guide for the Online Retreat in Everyday Life is here.
Imagine getting a phone call from Jesus.
Just how, exactly, would that show up in my caller ID?
Would I answer with trepidation, with excitement, or with uncertainty? “What’s he want this time?” or “Oh, great! My dear friend is calling!” or “Uh-oh. I’m not sure about this…”
This week, considering Jesus’ personal invitation of love, I’ve been thinking about my response. I’ve had plenty of blessings from Him. There are three that live in my house with me, and the house itself, wasps notwithstanding, is one too. He’s shown me that He loves me again and again, whether I’m ready to give him credit or not.
So how am I going to respond to His proffered hand? It’s there, open, waiting. His eyes are gentle and non-threatening. I have complete control. I can say yes or no.
What happens if I say yes? What does it mean for my life? Will I have to sacrifice something? (Yes, sadly, that’s my first thought.) Will things get uncomfortable? Will I be strong enough to stick it through to the end? Am I going to be sorry for jumping in? Is He really going to be with me through the whole thing, no matter what?
I mean, hey – this is SCARY. We’re talking about Changing The Way I Do Business In My Life, and THAT is no small thing. We’re contemplating the Hard Way, the High Road, the Better Path.
I’m not sure I’m up for the challenge. I’m not sure I can do it.
So…what if I say no? Will I find myself looking back, regretting my hesitation? Or will there be another chance to say yes?
What is Jesus asking of me?
As I’ve let this week’s reflections simmer in the back of my mind, I’ve been waffling. I just haven’t been sure.
And then I read the very last reflection, and I felt something that I attribute to Jesus, so I’m going to share it here, in case you have just been reading my reflections and not the full text of the guides. Maybe this will be something that you need to read this week too.
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think that I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost
and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
Amen.
