February 7, 2020

I recently participated in a daylong retreat led by Fr. Jim Farrell entitled, Finding Peace in the Chaos of Ministry.

Here are a few of the noteworthy takeaways from the day:

• The importance of Sabbath – “During the other six days of the week, there is your ‘have to do’ list; the Sabbath is for your ‘get to do’ list.”
• “Finding peace means being present in the moment. We can’t always be looking forward.”
• “Don’t always focus on what is missing. Focus on what’s here.”
• “Don’t worry about Jesus being present at the Eucharist; YOU be present.”
• “Chaos is like a tornado. It is calm in the center of it; the chaos comes when we live on the periphery.”
• “Too much is made of living a balanced life. Life must be integrated, not balanced, to be fulfilling.”
• Servant versus friend: “A servant meets the needs of another. Friends meet one another’s needs.”