What Are We Settling For?

 



https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/03/05/cornerstone/


        Throughout life we are told not to settle. When we face a challenging moment in our lives, we are told to keep moving forward or choose another path that better serves us. Yet, many of us have been forced to settle in numerous aspects of our lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many individuals have lost jobs, been forced to work and study from home, have lost close family members and friends, and have faced other challenging situations in which they had no control. Plans have been pushed aside. Dreams seem far out of reach or are placed on hiatus for an uncertain amount of time. For the time being, we just have to settle with what we have.

Friday’s reflection from the ISN focuses on feelings of rejection and moments when we feel like we are missing out on what God and others have to offer us. It is in these moments of rejection, though, that are actually a great opportunity for us to reflect on what we do have and can offer to others. 

We may have to settle with the circumstances surrounding the pandemic, but there is a vast amount that we do not have to settle for. We all are dealing with different struggles, but there is a difference between struggling and suffering. Lent is a powerful time for us to ask ourselves how we can unite not only with those who are struggling but with those who are suffering.

The effects of the past year have led to a tired, fearful, and weary world. Some people feel like last year’s Lenten journey never really ended, with our lives being emptied of so much. But this Lenten season is really a reminder of simplicity and God’s grace. It is not a time where we have to fill our calendars with more to-dos. 

Consider these next few days and weeks as an opportunity to press pause. When you find yourself feeling weary, take a moment not only to pray for your personal struggles and times when you have suffered, but to pray for those who are currently suffering. Pray for those who suffer daily from the injustices of the world. Perhaps through praying, you will discover an area where you feel called to be with those who are suffering. But if you do not yet know where you are called, do not worry. We do not have to have everything figured out within 40 days. Keep praying. God will show you the way.


Kristen S.


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