I live in a network of relationships – links to nature, to people, to God.
For what is life but a tapestry of the places we have been to,
the people we have come into contact with,
the events we have been part of,
and the God who brought all of this together for us.
I can live my life using these relationships just for my self-satisfaction.
I can choose to live by what the world seems to go by: what is in it for me?
Or, I can choose to live my life in generosity –
to give and not to count the cost,
to labor and not ask for reward.
The more time I spend in silence and prayer,
the more I am prodded to live my life for others,
rather than living it for myself alone.
So, the choice for me is pretty obvious.
Oh, there are times of temptations
when I would just want to wallow in selfish gratification;
or just to give up trying, doubting if my efforts are worth anything;
or succumbing to the blandishments of the question
most everybody else seems to be asking – what is in it for me.
I must pray and must pray without ceasing
– for the grace of generosity, faith, perseverance, humility, charity.
Until I come into the fullness of all the relationships that sustain and fortify me. Remember always the life is paradox and a mystery.