Perspective
Well, the dust has settled, and we’re still standing. By your prayers. I’ve taken some criticism for my candidness, but mainly LOTS of support. I know that I am better off when I live my life transparently and with accountability. Its not the EASIEST way to live, but boy do you sleep well….not having those skeletons in your closet keeping you up at night. I’ve been down that road before and it sucks, I’ll tell you.
I went back to Niagara Falls for the Parish Life Conference, that I was supposed to be ordained at. It was hard, but absolutley the right thing to do. It was so good to be with my father in Christ, Saidna Alexander and all the brother clergy and faithful of the Ottawa diocese. And of course our family of St. George Orthodox Church in Niagara Falls. (Having lunch with my mom certainly did not hurt either!) It was healing to worship God together…the bishop with the clergy and the faithful….receiving the body and blood of our Lord together…..
So, life goes on. The jilted bride recovers. I have the fall semester to prepare for, and some needed vacation time with Shamassey (for her, that is! She works so hard, she needs it! My life IS a vacation …) before that. I have the joy of helping out the new Antiochian deacons. They remind me of why I am here and, and why I became a deacon in the first place.
I am not sure what the future holds. Most seem to think my ordination is inevitable. I am on scholarship and the Archdiocese is going to want to see a return on their investment in me. Maybe my candidness has (or will) ticked some one off, and they will prevent me from being ordained. Perhaps God has something different for us to do. Only He knows the future. The thought of the priesthood does terrify me, and that’s only partly false humility. And you certainly don’t need to be an Orthodox priest to serve him….
But I do know that as I sit here on my porch, listening to the bull frogs on Crestwood Lake, that God is present in this moment. THAT is what I need to focus on.
What is His will for my life? “Right here, right now.”
Who is the most important person? “The one right before me.”
What is the best place to be? “Right where I am.”
By your prayers…..
bonovox
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Reader Comments (6)
Well said.
I need to take a page from your book. As i sit here back in reality with no PLC to plan for, or being on the move with some great friends from Westchester, I am literally shaking with nerves about my future.
TJM
I am sure that God will be good to you with respect to your career. You need to be optimistic, and pray for God's help daily, as this may take some time. We all have our "ups and downs" in life, but we tend to move on and do what is best for us. In the end, you may well find this entire scenario as a blessing in disguise.
Very well said FDR!
I hope you were sipping a fine ale while listening to the frogs. I can envision it well...now :)
Prayers for you and yours.
I'm sure this will sound hollow, but deferred and delayed ordination... as part of your dream and that of your family... may turn out to be a real gift. I think you will have something more to share out of this that people need... particularly now when so many around us have seen their dreams fade and slip beyond their grasp...maybe even permanently.
All the same, my prayers for you and your family.
It was very nice to see you at the Village. Thanks for listening. God be with you in your ministry. Remember us in your prayers.
Thank you for this:
What is His will for my life? “Right here, right now.”
Who is the most important person? “The one right before me.”
What is the best place to be? “Right where I am.”
I needed to really hear that! -Prisca