Onward With Faith: Being thankful for pieces of light

ONWARD WITH FAITH
Being Thankful for Pieces of Light

There are many new work challenges in the “Beginnings” part of the William Bridges model. You’ll have that honeymoon period but there will be those looking for you to fail. There will be challenges ahead. That’s the nature of organizations—and some people. The English novelist John Galsworthy was on target when he wrote, “the beginnings of all human undertakings are untidy.”

As I ended the diagnosis part of my cancer journey, I knew what I had and what I had to do to get healthy again. The chemotherapy road was clear. Uncertainty became certain. Six months of treatment with three drugs; one as part of a clinical trial I elected. I was told that the side effects would be minimal and I’d likely keep my hair. Music to my ears. And food for my prayer life, now kicking in at a higher level.

As you enter new work or a new role or environment in old work, perhaps it’s a good time to look backwards. Maybe there are lessons to be used again. And maybe too an opportunity to jump start your spiritual life.

I found myself gaining new hope from an old prayer I had encountered many years earlier when a friend of mine, Joe, was ill with cancer. I had found encouragement from several poems and prayers during these anxious times. But this prayer from my past offered something special.

“As we near the end of some journeys or head into the home stretch anyway, sometimes it appears like we wind up where we started. And here I am, back to Sister Joyce–this soulful, eloquent nun who was kind enough to say yes to my request to meet with my Mom and Dad for a special couple of hours. They were big fans. Sister Joyce Rupp’s Pieces of Light is back for me. Offering strength, perspective, and love in ways exactly needed. It even dared to help me try and see the good things which might come out of this darkness.”

TODAY…

Think back on a trial overcome or situation managed and name something which helped you through it. How might it be valuable now as you face new challenges in the work ahead? Are there resources you can resurrect for new inspiration?

Little Pieces of Light…
Darkness & Personal Growth

O God
As I look back on my life,
I see many little pieces of light.
They have given me hope and comfort
in my bleak and weary times.

I thank you for the radiance
of a dark sky full of stars,
and for the faithful light of dawn
which follows every turn of darkness.

I thank you for loved ones and strangers
whose inner beacons of light
have warmed and welcomed my pain.

I thank you for your Presence in my depths,
protecting, guiding, reassuring, and loving.

I thank you for all those life-surprises
Which sparked a bit of hope in my ashes.

And yes, I thank you for my darkness
(the unwanted companion I shun and avoid)
Because this pushy intruder comes with truth
and reveals my hidden treasures to me.