Thinking about the future...

I believe that there is something to learn from every stage of life and I think I'm starting to see the wisdom of summer crew. A number of people have mentioned to me that I look so happy and so relaxed when they see me working outside. And I have to agree with their observation...yes, I do feel at peace...which has started me thinking about the future.

I believe that balance is important in life. So when I think about future career choices I wonder how I may incorporate the wisdom I have happened upon while working on summer crew the past few months with choices I am making about my degree and vocation. Here is one scenario:

Over the past year or so I have had increasing interest in the practice of spiritual direction or spiritual companioning. This past year I have been meeting with a spiritual director and have found our meetings to be incredibly insightful. As part of the spiritual journey I find myself in, I have taken a few trips up to the Hermitage, a retreat centre not to far from here. When I observed the daily routines of the host couple of that retreat centre I thought I could definitely see myself doing something like that someday. They take care of the property, mowing the grass, tending the garden, cleaning guest rooms, etc. They are both trained spiritual directors and will meet with retreatants upon request. They lead morning prayers every morning. They cook meals. They do the administrative work that it takes to keep the paperwork in order. They do a little bit of everything, all with intentionality and an attitude of hospitality.

The future is always unknown, but every once in a while I believe God will give us a glimpse to help us focus in the present.