Thursday Thought Living with “Both/And” in an “Either/Or” World
Probably like you, my perceptions about life, relationships, and faith have changed over the years. While certain bottom-line truths are essential in my journey as an “apprentice of Jesus,” I appreciate the security of knowing the voice of the Divine Spirit is trustworthy and will guide and direct my footsteps …
After I retired several years ago, I started watching quite a bit of cable news. One day, I was smacked with the awareness I could easily become a partisan news junkie. I truly believe a divine voice cautioned me against this path. I pared down my television watching considerably and nowadays watch minimal news from different sources.
In retrospect, I am glad I listened to that interior voice and believe it has served my own soul and a variety of relationships well. It has also intensified gratitude for the right to vote my conscience, and I proudly wear my “I Voted” sticker on voting days!
I’m convinced two things can be true at the same time, and that it is possible for people to agree to disagree—even upon sacred faith preferences and political passions. With each passing day, I believe more intensely God’s very character is blanketed with love. God can be trusted to remain righteous, holy, and just while simultaneously being compassionate, kind, patient, and good. If this feels perplexing to you, I agree. A scripture I need to review often is Isaiah 55:8-9:
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
A few weeks ago, I was struck with thought provoking words of a blessing from a Dominican sister in Michigan:
“May the God of Both/And be with you, holding you in your brokenness and your blessing, in your sanctity and your sinfulness, in your giftedness and your emptiness. May you hold the opposites of your life in equally gentle hands, awaiting God's revelation and wisdom …. May you bring the blessing of a "both/and" compassion into an "either/or" world. May the Both/And God be with you.” --Maxine Shonk, OP (grdominicans.org)
Blessings to you and all those you love wherever you are on your journey,
