- This topic has 1 reply, 3 voices, and was last updated 19 years, 1 month ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Lately its been hard to focus on anything productive. I just re-read an article on here called “Putting God First.” It hits at home with me; I really need to give all of my troubles to God, but its so hard.
I’m a college student right now and I feel like my life is being pulled in so many directions. I really feel lost. Its hard to articulate. I have a job at my church/newman center and lately have been feeling turned off by all of the details. I feel like while my life is unorganized, lacking real purpose, and filled with half-way attempts at creating a better place (as cliche as that sounds), the world is filled with injustice. Its hard for me to be at church surrounded by the people I love- because I’m noticing that so many people seemed to be, I don’t know how to put it- wrapped up in the details. It’s probably not even a bad thing, I know. But its really bothering me lately. For example, in the past week, we were focusing on Ecuemenism. Somehow during this discussion we got to talking about how prayer can help with this mission, but how prayer can be dangerous if it is self centered. I understand that this is an important point to be made. Its just hard for me to sit around talking about details that are important to my faith, but know that there is so much out there to be done that isn’t getting done by talking.
This is a lot of rambling!! What I’m trying to say is that I need balance.
” title=”Sad” />I feel like I’m at a place in my life where things are shifting all around. Where my faith never used to shift before, it is shifting now, and it scares me.
Peace be with you JackieO,
Before I answer, may I ask how is church shifting arounf you? I’m not sure I understand what you are saying in that sentence.
Fred
Hi Fred,
Thank you for your reply.It’s funny- I sometimes don’t really even understand what exactly is shifting around.
I’ve never been very knowledgable about theology and history. I try to understand the basics and be engaged with fellow parishoners, coworkers who have the same position as I, and students that go to church with me. I haven’t been inclined to do the research. Now, I’m not sure if thats a sign of laziness, contentment, or whatever. It never used to bother me before. If I had a question, I’d ask someone or go to a resource I thought as valuble (much like this website). Lately, I’ve noticed a divide among many of my Catholic friends. I can put them into oversimplified categories; the detail people and the non detail people. I fall into the non detail category. (I know this is way too oversimplified) When I try to be engaged in a conversation or activity, I just get discouraged when it comes to discussing the minute details. Probably because I don’t understand.
In this busy world, I feel like God is calling me to be an active messenger and spread His words, the Gospel, the main messages that I feel like I should be spreading.
I feel more separated from some of the people I used to identify with. Maybe its some form of guilt I’m feeling, like I need to do the research. I know that this could possibly be the solution. But at the same time I can’t ignore my gut instinct- do good in the world! Good as God meant it to be is not about the minute details, it is about His Gospel, love for Him, love for our neighbors, and love for ourselves.
For being a “non detail” person, this reply has a lot of detail in it.
” title=”Smile” />Thanks for your reading.
” title=”Smile” />
JackieHi Jackie,
I meant to respond to this a long time ago – I’m sure you know what it’s like to be busy and accidentally let things slide.” title=”Wink” />Anyway, what I wanted to say is that some people are into the gritty details of religion/faith whereas others are more concerned with just the overall message and putting it into action. Fortunately there is room in the Church for both types of people.
What I generally tell people is that if they believe the basics of our faith (which is contained in our creeds) then they are still a good Christian.
Just keep on working in your relationship with Jesus and fellow Christians and don’t sweat the small stuff.
” title=”Wink” />Jackie,
I too apologize for not answering sooner. I meant to write back sooner, and I don’t have a better exuse other than incessant homework.
Well, I understand what you mean by the “non-detail oriented” and “detail oriented” people. I think I also fall under the category of the first one when it comes to the Catholic Faith.
I have found that God grants us all talents and ways to spread his Word, but mine is often not through words (or details). I found I do this better by living out my life according to my faith. Sometimes (well for me at least) I can do a lot more teaching of the Church’s teachings by simple things. For example, after people have known you for sometime, they notice things about you such as why you will not talk badly about others behind their back, you frequently think of others, want what’s best for them and enjoy their company and value as a human being. Your sincerity and genuiness provide witness to Christ. You also have the ability to give cheer to those who are having a bad day. I have always thought that happy people are a wonderful light to Christ because their trust in Jesus shines through their happiness. (These are things I have witnessed about you during my time with you) Those things are just as good, or even better then knowing a million details about our Faith.
I had more to say on this post, but it seems that after 11pm my thinking process goes downhill. lol. I hope what I have written was of some help.
Hi Steph,
Thanks so much for your reply.” title=”Smile” /> I identify with you on the homework thing. Thank goodness for spring break, right? The mission trip for church I was going to go on got cancelled, a hidden blessing I believe, because now I can go home, visit with family, get healthy, and catch up on all this homework!!Since I posted this, a month ago or so, life has pretty much stayed the same but I was lucky to have a conversation with someone at church. She has a PhD and is a professor and researcher at the U. Her specialty is health care. From getting to know her and understanding her goals, changing and fixing health care problems from the top end of the spectrum, it helped to open my view point a little bit. She is working on all of these details that I would have a hard time understanding and would probably get frustrated with, but she is likely to be having a great effect on something that needs help.
Relating this to church and Catholicism, I see that there are so many roles to be filled! There needs to be people at all levels of the spectrum.. its encouraging when I finally get out of my slump and realize ([i:34q9s2ld]again[/i:34q9s2ld]) that God has an individual plan for everyone.
Thank you for your encouragement
” title=”Smile” />
” title=”Sad” />
” title=”Smile” />
” title=”Wink” />- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.