Do any of you remember where you were on New Year’s in 2000? Perhaps some of you were not born yet! Well, I was in Les Cayes Haiti visiting my priest friend, Bill Konicki. At the time I was working at the Haitian Apostolate for the Diocese of Worcester, MA. I must tell you it is hard to believe that it was 23 years ago! Time does fly.
As I was thinking about that, the recent Advent Journey we made in the parish came to mind, and two words stood out: URGENT and IMPORTANT. It was one of the reflections that spoke of John the Baptist, and how even though there were URGENT things happening around him, what he needed to do what was still IMPORTANT. In the midst of baptizing hundreds of people, John had to stop and speak the truth to those around that one who was greater than he was in their midst.
URGENT, IMPORTANT… why are these words so significant?
Well, we are coming up on the New Year, and we always make resolutions. So, what shall it be for 2023?
Since I can’t seem to get these words out of my mind, I think the Spirit is telling me something: where he leads, I had better follow! Each day there are so many urgent things that come up and need to be dealt with; decisions need to be made on what is truly important. I still have a lot to unwrap with both words, and so my resolution is to reflect on what and how they function in my daily living, then put that reflecting into action. An example for me might be that each day, I will find many urgent things that need my attention, and rightly so; but it is important that I take the time to journal and pray over what God is doing in my life.
As easy as this is to write, I must say that this resolution is one of the toughest I’ve ever decided to embark upon. As I am writing this, I am still wondering if I can come to a fuller understanding of how these two words operate in my life. Perhaps the frantic urgent items need to be put aside so that the truly important ones play a role in the day’s activities. I know that the only way to accomplish this resolution will be to find a point of balance. The real trick will be finding it!
My prayer is that you take the time to find something you wish to work on this coming year and take hold of it, making a resolution. Continue to act upon it – this will be the hardest part! Don’t give up if you find yourself stuck or with a sense of not quite doing what you had hoped. Each day is a new beginning – a new year, so to speak. Keep it going! You can do it!
I’ll be keeping you in prayer. Please pray for me on my journey as well. Happy New Year!
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
