time - Related Content

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We live in a fast paced world of split-second decisions and short attention spans. Our minds spill over with complex thoughts and distraction as we struggle to be fully present to tasks at hand. Even off the clock, when watching a 30-minute TV show, we often multi-task by flipping channels, getting a snack or even fast forwarding through commercials via DVR. Our precious time of relaxation mirrors the lightning speed of modern living. Rarely do we sit and just enjoy the present.

Fourth of July fireworks displays trigger an automatic pause; a natural urge to stop and look up. We automatically slow to the unhurried pace of watching spectacular colors and shapes appear in the sky; listen to a symphony of “ooh”s and “ahh”s around us. Young, old and everyone in between are suspended in time. Together we are present to the moment and to one another. Memories are made as we allow beauty to seep into our souls and move each of us to reflection of things bigger than ourselves. We can hear that profound wonder in the voices of the children as they exclaim "Wow! Look at that big one!"

When was the last time you were drawn to quiet reflection through beauty? What made you stop and take notice? What are the beautiful moments in your discernment journey?

Photo credit: Sister Amy Taylor, FSPA

Many of us live with calendars that are full. Even on the rare occasion that a meeting gets canceled, another task usually arises before there is time to celebrate the possibility of moments to breathe.

Long before smartphones beeped to make us jump from one moment to the next, Jesus knew what it was like to feel pulled in different directions. He could recognize the effects of over scheduling in the lives of his apostles ... could see, as in Mark 6:30-33, when it was time for rest.

Like the apostles, we often have lives that do not stop. And when such rare free time comes along, someone is always waiting to fill it. It’s important in life and in times of discernment to make moments for stillness. It may be choosing quiet while commuting to work; going outside to take a break, eat lunch. Time allowed for rest and renewal of our minds and of our souls helps us and, ultimately, those around us. We all need those crazy moments that burst from our calendars (chronos) slowed down and transformed into contemplative, rejuvenating time (kairos). It’s amazing what God can offer in even the smallest of minutes!

How does your calendar tell the story of chronos and kairos in your life? If someone were to read it like a book—moment-by-moment—what would they learn about you? Is God mentioned from time-to-time?

With grateful hearts for your prayers, we share a few photos of our recent gathering. Community life is a gift!

One by one sisters light candles during a celebration in Mary of the Angels Chapel, radiating vision for the future of FSPA.

Sisters Eileen McKenzie, Laura Nettles, Katie Mitchell and Kristin Peters revel together in the gift of community.

FSPA gather from as far away as Guam to create ministerial inspiration.

Some days are filled with fragmented energy: my attention is pulled in many directions and lacks the clear focus and interior motivation necessary to complete the tasks at hand. Perhaps it’s the fickleness of the weather or the simple fact that I’m daydreaming of the near future when I will take a break from my office and go on retreat. It is a challenge for me to keep both feet planted in the now and not run towards a time that is not yet here. The irony is that once I arrive at the retreat center, part of my time will be spent settling into the quiet and letting go of the work I left behind. The quiet is often disrupted as I laugh at myself and recall that no matter the location, I am who I am. Time passes in the same way; the difference is the means at which I move through it.

I believe what I’m describing is a universal experience. Most of us feel anticipation as we get closer to vacations and get-togethers without realizing it can overshadow the present day and appreciation of the gifts it offers.

There are lessons in distraction. Sometimes distractions can serve as light to the deeper questions in my life easily overlooked in everyday busyness—why am I distracted? What does distraction teach? We are taught from an early age to be productive, but what if the pathway to greater understanding is to accept and immerse ourselves in the times of interference; to welcome discovery of the creativity that can surface when we ask a different question of ourselves. There are times in discernment where distraction will be part of the journey; when the idea of exploring a back road to see what is out there rather than continuing on the well-worn highway may lead to insight. Perspective is gained when we allow room for newness of the experience to unfold and evolve over time.

And perhaps it is the influence of the Holy Spirit that gifts us with days of distraction so that ultimately we settle into the present.

Where did you experience diversion in your discernment?

What did you find within it?