Passion

What makes you come alive? St. Irenaeus tells us that the glory of God is shown in a man fully alive, so how do we figure out what that is? We live life, we cling to friends that touch our hearts no matter how long we have known them or how little we know about them, we engage ourselves in whatever captures our heart and live for those moments that fill us with passion. We seek to do the Lord's will, put our trust in Him and know that everything will turn out according to how He would have it. There is great peace in this, as well as great challenge. I have struggled with this seeming paradox as of late in that on one hand we are called to seek out our passions and follow them, but on the other to trust in the Lord and let Him take control, take the frustrations out of our hands. In the little things this can be easy to do, well Lord you can have this particular event, it's in your hands. But with larger questions, like what you are going to do with the rest of your life, well it's a little more difficult to give that over, especially in a society that encourages us to do everything we can to achieve the American dream; wealth, a beautiful spouse, a couple children, and at least two houses: one in an suburban area near your job with a white picket fence, and a summer home on the lake several hours away. Yet these take us nowhere. When do you feel most alive? It hits me when I go running, when our team has just come together to win a game or accomplish a task, when I see the smile on the face of someone who just before looked bewildered and alone. To see the light go on when understanding hits, to learn and give back, to love. These all make my heart pulse with life within me, I do not know where it all fits, but with God there is a way. I know I often leave these blogs wide open, but I challenge you to find those activities that start the fire in your heart. These are God's signs and cannot lead you wrong. Trust in Him and follow your heart, for with these you will never forget to love, and you will always be loved, and we will ultimately find peace.