| Several weeks ago, I felt myself descending into darkness, where feelings of discontent, discouragement, and unhappiness began to overtake my usual "half-full" outlook on life. When these times occur, it's usually in response to a situation, something that disarmed me or upset me or knocked me off kilter. But this time, I could make no connection. I couldn't think of a reason why I was feeling so low.
Then it hit me. About a week before, the idea of an Advent Reflection series had come to me in my prayer, along with the passion to make St. Joseph known and loved. I ran the idea by several people, who all
supported the effort. As we envisioned how it would happen, the idea began to take shape, along with the amount of time and effort required. I got overwhelmed. I panicked. I stepped back. I abandoned the idea. I quit. God had given me a task, and I threw it back at Him. I was not faithful to the call he had placed on my heart, relying instead on my own reasoning.
Thank goodness for the feeling of desolation which prompted me to reflect on my circumstances, and helped me recognize my failure to walk the path God had chosen for me! The desolation had a purpose. I retracted my "No" and immediately gave my "Yes" to God. Within moments, the desolation lifted and was replaced with consolation!
The fact that over 700 people registered for the reflections confirms God's purposes. I thought this was the
affirmation I was looking for. But God has even bigger plans! He sees the bigger picture, which is why we can feel confident in being obedient to his promptings. His plan is for our good, always.
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