The Ardent Shape We Hope to Become

From a biographer of Catherine McAuley- Mary Sullivan...

"...we are not the source of the ardent shape we hope to become, only the ready tinder: poor, flickering, utterly dependent on God's designing fire."

No this is not a dieter's mantra! Although if we look at it as a spiritual diet, perhaps this is one way to look at ourselves!

When Catherine said, "My God I am yours for time and eternity...", I think she was also saying that we are not in control, that our passion and fire for God, for those who are poor is really in God's hands. We allow God to spark us anew.

Yesterday I was heading out to the airport to meet some people who were coming to a meeting last night and would be leaving today afte several more appointments were finished. We had some miscommunication and I did not find them at the airport. Later when we did connect I was sputtering to myself about the inconvenience and the extra work on my part, not to mention the time I took out of my day. As I refelcted on what was happening inside me, I realized that my work is not mine, but God's! I needed to let go of the sputtering and get on board for the part that would be God's plan in the beautiful evening with some wonderful young women.

We do not shape our world. God is in charge. We are the flicker: the flame is God's. Can we get ingnited?

Today ponder where God is in your life? Where are you the flicker and where does God flame into fire in you?

That being said and it being winter here with 15 inches on the ground, keep warm with the flame of heat as well as with the flame of God burning in you!

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