Reading the excerpt from Parker Palmer's book, I was most struck by the quote from Rabbi Zusya. He says, "In the coming world, they will not ask me: 'Why were you not Moses?' They will ask me: 'Why were you not Zusya?'"
God doesn't ask us to be anyone other than ourselves. He made us all in His image and likeness, which means that we shouldn't want to be anyone else. In this stressful time of college decisions, it's important to remember that we will end up where we belong and that God will guide us.
Applying Rabbi Zusya's view, vocations are different for everyone. Not everyone needs to live in poverty in a third world country or give up everything and become a nun to seve God. Since every person is called and loved by God, we have to listen specifically to what He's asking us to do. It might be as simple as being kind or, as Sister Colleen said, giving the gift of presence when someone needs you.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Mission Statement
- To create a secure, loving environment for those around me
- To take time for myself to do things I love, be it reading or just taking a walk
- To remember to recognize the good in everyone
- To listen to ideas before introducing my own
- To try new things, even if they seem scary
- To appreciate my life and my family
- To make the best of every situation
- To be organized and on-schedule
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Three Influences
As a 17 year old, many things have shaped who I am as a person. However, by examining my life, I can say that the biggest influences on me have been my faith, my family, and my Mount education.
After 15 years of Catholic education, I obviously have a very good understanding of the textbook Church- all the rules and rituals, etc. As I've gotten older, I've started to deepen my faith by focusing on my personal relationship with God. Using my previous knowledge as a base, I have learned to make good decisions, respect myself and others, and approach every day with the confidence of a young woman who knows that God is behind her in everything she does.
My family has obviously been a very big factor in my life. They provide loving guidance in everything I do. My parents were the first people to shape my morals and values, which I have tried to keep with me as I evolve as a person. My family is an unconditional support system, and having them there allows me to dream bigger and reach higher.
Finally, my Mount education has had a huge influence on me. I went to school with the same 50 kids for 11 years before attending the Mount, so coming to a large school was a big shock for me in the beginning. However, being in a different setting pushed me to make new friends and try new things. At the Mount I have received a wonderful education, but, perhaps more importantly, made new friends I will have for the rest of my life. As my time at the Mount draws to a close, I know that my years here have truly shaped me as a person and left me open to new experiences.
After 15 years of Catholic education, I obviously have a very good understanding of the textbook Church- all the rules and rituals, etc. As I've gotten older, I've started to deepen my faith by focusing on my personal relationship with God. Using my previous knowledge as a base, I have learned to make good decisions, respect myself and others, and approach every day with the confidence of a young woman who knows that God is behind her in everything she does.
My family has obviously been a very big factor in my life. They provide loving guidance in everything I do. My parents were the first people to shape my morals and values, which I have tried to keep with me as I evolve as a person. My family is an unconditional support system, and having them there allows me to dream bigger and reach higher.
Finally, my Mount education has had a huge influence on me. I went to school with the same 50 kids for 11 years before attending the Mount, so coming to a large school was a big shock for me in the beginning. However, being in a different setting pushed me to make new friends and try new things. At the Mount I have received a wonderful education, but, perhaps more importantly, made new friends I will have for the rest of my life. As my time at the Mount draws to a close, I know that my years here have truly shaped me as a person and left me open to new experiences.
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