God's been humble in teaching me new lessons and reminding me of old ones recently.
One of the lessons I've been reminded of and am constantly being retaught is about being able to trust in the Lord. I've been having my doubts as I approach my Diaconate ordination, and have been having a difficult time in turning over what I need to to the Lord. I had a few dark days a little over a week ago, but things have been better, and I'm happy for that. And I still get my moments of doubt, but I believe that the Devil's trying to get me away from here, and to not follow my vocation. I'm still here, and I'm not planning to go.
Another lesson is not to be judgemental of people. Not that I sit there and think things about other people, but I sometimes don't give them the benefit of the doubt. Recently I re-connected with a high school classmate on the (infamous) Facebook. I posted a link about the storm that's arisen over the Pope's comments about the use of condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS in Africa. My classmate made a comment about the link, and I thought, "Hmm. That's odd. I wonder what he exactly means by that." I checked out his page, and noticed the one group that he belongs to is a pro-life group on Facebook. I was a little shocked, to be honest. I mean, he and I were not the closest of people in high school: we were classmates who occasionally had a class or two together, and I didn't often think about where he stood on every issue. Honestly, it never crossed my mind. But I guess that I never associated him with a pro-life position because we had never really talked about it. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that he is pro-life, but I should not have jumped to any conclusions or presuppositions in my head, even if it was not even thinking about it in the first place.
Yes, God's been challenging me, but I need this. It's all for His will and work here on earth.
We're under the 70-day waiting period for ordination. I still have a few things to do before I really worry and focus in on it. But it will be there when I'm ready.
Enjoy the journey . . .
