chris@mcdonnell83.freeserve.co.uk           Previous articles by Chris

   September 26, 2012                              Chris McDonnell, UK   

Commitment is never easy, whether it is for a short term period or in a life time vow. All we can do is hope that with each passing day, we find the strength and courage to take the next step.

The lines that follow were written for a young nun moving into simple vows, but they can be applied to any of us in different ways.  

One step at a time  

Today a commitment is being made, the intention of a life work announced, a journey started that is not without significant risk.

Our work is to sing the praise of the Lord, hour by hour, day by day, praying the psalter, a story of suffering, joy, disappointment, love and hope.

And we do so under obedience, for the greater good of our community and for our own personal growth,

one step at a time.  

Our time each day is lived according to a Rule, that clear and simple statement of intent given to us by our founder, Benedict, for our guidance and direction.

Here in this place, in our way, amid occasional success and not infrequent failure, we try to live out this commitment, steadfast in purpose and trusting in prayer, for even when darkness and emptiness overtake us, still we move forward,

 one step at a time.  

Our lives, shaped by a way of living that is both supportive and demanding, that is communal and yet singular, slowly change and we become what we not yet know.

Only the experience of the journey can reshape and remake us as we move towards Him who seeks us,

one step at a time.