Random questions intertwined. Is this really what's going to make me happy? Am I in the right place? What will I do next? Is this the right choice? Why does it feel like I need to be somewhere else? It's actually a series of unending questions itching for answers and the only scratch to satisfy it is to make a decision. We thirst for some light in whatever direction we're taking. We all wanted to get somewhere. The problem lies here:
1. We don't know where we're going.
2. We don't know how to get there.
3. We know where we're going and we know how to get there but we're scared to give it a shot.
It was more than just a relief to know that you are not the only 20 Something Single trapped in the middle of the highway, in the long dark road with only the street lamps to rely on for some decent light as most times, when we seek for some clarity, even the moon refuses to console us. And it becomes so frustrating that sometimes, by the look of the dark clouds above us and the chill of the wind, you just know, that rain is coming and you are so unprepared to be soaked, to walk on the rain in a long dark street with your heavy backpack, tired and hungry and confused. And you just wish so badly that someone would just pick you up and bring you home...
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The 2 day retreat, I would say was one of the greatest blessings I had this year. It's refreshing to get to know people and to recognize God's face within them. It's been a long time since I fully enjoyed praise and worship. To just let it all out. To reach out to God. To surrender out of helplessness. I even think up to this time that the 2 day experience wasn't enough. I still long to have casual quiet conversations with God. I think He has a lot to say because I often did all the talking.
There will be times when we would stop, exhausted in talking and praying and asking. And we would simply find ourselves in utter silence, because we wanted so much to be there, to get there and yet at the end of it all...
And so we seek God's voice in surrender knowing that something better, something greater, something more that what we asked for is out there in the open road...
God Communicates to us through:
Heart - Feelings
Mind - Thoughts
Soul - Desires
The thing is, God is not the only one that communicates through our heart, mind and soul. Which is why God has provided us a tool to determine his voice amidst all the noise.
One important gear that God has granted us in this journey is the gift of Discernment. A gift that we need to unwrap if we are stuck in making life's difficult choices.
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Discernment is always:
1. Between 2 Good things. Bad thoughts, ideas, actions, words are never an option.
2. In the context of God's love. Does God wants you to do this?
3. It's always in the midst of struggle. Confusion if part of it. You must learn to let go of emotions.
5 Dispositions in making a decision:
1. Hone Prayer. Lord what do you want me to do? Comtemplative Prayer.
2. Eliminate Attachments. Do not make conditions with God. Do not bargain with Him. Sometimes we ask for
His will but we already made up our mind. Let Him talk first.
Avoid: "I will make this decision but promise me...You have to..."
3. ASPIRE Holiness. Make sure that decisions being made is accompanied with Love- not with bitterness.
4. REACH Generosity. Give. Decisions must be selfless.
5. Take Courage. Risk and Trust.
MAKING THE FINAL DECISION.
1. Find what you want.
2. Assume the 3rd person: Is that what will make you happy? Is that what will make you holy? Talk to
yourself as if you're your own best friend. As a third person, you try to be objective.
yourself as if you're your own best friend. As a third person, you try to be objective.
Assume the 99 year old you: Have you been happy? Have you been holy? What would the 99 year old
you tell the 20 something year old you?
you tell the 20 something year old you?
3. Identify all options. Pros and Cons.
4. Take center. Do not take sides. Do not assume anything.
5. Hunt for Signs. Confirm. "Signs are never to dictate. Just to confirm."
5 DAILY PRACTICES:
1. Become aware of God's presence. Everywhere. Breathe in. Breathe Out.
2. Review your day w/Gratitude. Be grateful.
3. Identify the movement of Grace. The smile of a child. The Sky. The Rain. The Air.
4. Share your HURTS AND HAPPINESS. Share it with everyone. Share it with friends. Share it with your
family. Share it with GOD.
5. HOPE for Tomorrow. Tomorrow will be another day. Better and brighter! ☆
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