Spiritual Reflections

What have I learned here? Two of the greatest gifts, patience and surrender, both showed up in full bloom to help me keep moving forward.

Authentic intimacy and suffering demand the embrace of powerlessness and vulnerability.

To the extent to which we try to be authentic, to that extent we hold ourselves open to our loving God, and to the companionship of those around us. We do not go to God alone.

Expressions of apology, forgiveness, gratitude lead to another level of relationship, important for continued growth personally, socially, spiritually. It is a healthy process to do a daily review of my actions, especially in my relationships with other people.... An examen of consciousness can reflectively provide insight into myself and others, along with behavior changes to improve relationships with other people and between God and myself.

Truthfully, we are vulnerable at every stage of life, especially during often lonely periods of significant personal losses. What a gift and a need it is to cultivate adult friends whose thoughtful presence shapes our wellbeing, and uplifts our spirits. Trusted companions keep delight in our lives and soften the hurt in our hearts.

Courage is the ability to come through something that has frighted us, and out of that pain and grief, to discover a strength we never realized we have.

Vulnerability is not reserved for the leader. It is a mutual condition that is embraced if lifting the group toward wholeness is the goal.