Fears and Tears

A line that has stayed with me from “Unshakeable,” a Father Mike Schmitz book that I am currently reading is, “Be where your feet are.” I am enjoying this book, learning about the virtues, and applying them to everyday life.

This particular chapter really resonated with me. The virtue is “integrity,” being whole and undivided. To live in a way that matches what your purpose is.

The chapter also mentions having multiple piles around the house, and not having a proper place where they belong. This creates division and chaos. For me this manifests in external and internal ways.

I am either reminiscing about the past or worrying about the future. I am often not living in the present moment. My head is not where my feet are.

To be honest, I am not happy with some parts of my life. It is easier to look to the past or to the future and not focus on the present.

That way I do not face the unpleasant reality. It is still there, it does not go away. It demands to be looked at and to be dealt with, not to be put aside.

My method of dealing with things does not allow me to be who I am created to be.

It leads to procrastination, ingratitude, self-condemnation, and stagnation.

The present moment leads to honesty, integrity, and truth.

The Lord sees me. He sees where I am. He does not condemn me.

In a gentle and compassionate way, the Lord offers His hand to me, I reach up and accept it. He holds my hand and I realize that I am not alone in facing the difficult things. To see them with the Lord by my side gives me the confidence, courage, and strength to work on them with His grace.

I desire to return to purpose, wholeness, and integrity. Dear Lord, help me keep a well ordered house, to live a purposeful life, and to be where my feet are. Thank you Lord, for the gift of life, and Your patient, calm, and steady presence. Amen.

Hope has two beautiful daughters: their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are. St. Augustine.