• 
  • Upcoming Events
  • Local Events
  • Past Events
• 
  • Ridgeways Archives
  • New Community House
  • Get RidgeMail
  • Quote of the Day
  • Search Quotes
• 
  • Mission Statement
  • Directions
  • Personal Retreat
  • Reflections
  • Slide Shows
  • Partner Groups
  • New Community House
  • Privacy Statement
• 
  • Maps
  • History Loop
• 
•  

Listening

By Trish Stefanik

I recently participated in a retreat that focused on the prophet Elijah of the Old Testament and God’s Word coming to him in a whisper. Setting the stage, Elijah had just fled into the wilderness in despair and afraid for his life even though he had accomplished heroic deeds in the name of God (1 Kings 18-19).

I thought to myself, how many times have I been here?! I prepare for an event, it goes according to plan, all seems right and good, and then…I hear not everyone was happy. And then I think about what I could have done differently and wonder why I did this or didn't do that. I begin to doubt myself and worry about what other people think. I’m confused and want to run away. I cry out to God!

Elijah takes shelter in a cave. "Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 'What are you doing here?'" Elijah exclaimed all that had happened, and God said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." There was a great wind followed by an earthquake and a fire. But the Lord was not there. Then there was "a sound of sheer silence." Elijah heard it. He stood at the entrance of the cave, and God asked again, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" What are you doing here, Trish?

God so often comes to us in ways we least expect. Most of the time in little ways, and we have to be still and attentive to hear God’s voice. It takes time to listen and more time to really hear. It often takes a journey into some kind of wilderness alone — through the places of close-mindedness and close-heartedness. It most likely involves exploring new territory and revisiting familiar terrain. I can expect to experience all kinds of emotions, from mountaintop elation to cavernous darkness. In faith I can trust that God is there guiding me and offering whatever I need to be made whole.

And God spoke to Elijah and instructed him to another task. I imagine Elijah did not know all of what this commission meant, but he set out. I don’t know how my life will unfold, but if I truly listen and am open, God will keep setting me on the right path so that I can do my little part in God’s glorious, amazing work.

A Simple Path

By Trish Stefanik

We have one solid source of happiness in all our journeying – we can keep our hearts fixed on God. — Sr. Catherine McAuley

I never saw a hummingbird perch before, stop from its incessant buzzing from one source of nectar to the next and just sit still for a good while. But there it was, and I wasn’t hallucinating from the heat. Day after day, the hummingbird joined the golden finches simply passing the time perched on the garden sculpture next to the feeder. And there I was where I am every morning, sitting still and enjoying my morning cup of coffee, simply watching the birds, gazing at the trees, being quiet, centering myself in the here and now, "actively" readying myself for open, uncomplicated, unencumbered communion with God.

I love this time. My desire is to be fully available to God, not doing anything more than making room for that which I want to define my life, to suffuse my every breath, to guide my every action. Nothing is more important to me than loving God, and if I'm going to be able to do that, I need to take the time as in any good relationship to simply and truly get to know the other. Though I can learn about God through good people, good books, and good deeds, nothing compares to just showing up and being there. Here I am for You. During this time, what I think about God as well as what I think I have to give do not matter. How I am feeling and how I feel things should be do not matter. Frankly, my very self as my ego perceives it does not matter. It’s not about me; it's for God.

My contemplative prayer practice, being in stillness and silence with the intention of opening to God, is a discipline in simple faith and profound trust. Perhaps it looks like nothing is happening in the moment, but I find that throughout the rest of my day that which really matters more naturally and spontaneously informs my thoughts and actions. I grow deeper in love.

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. — John 15:11