The Journey

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Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, I’ve been reading Rachel Remen’s book, My Grandfather’s Blessings.  Though I have read the book several times in the past, I am seeing the stories with new eyes because I am in a different place in my life’s journey. 

The last chapter I perused described the entrance to Rachel’s home.  To enter her house, one first climbs a flight of steps seeing a gorgeous tree.  After turning to the left and ascending another flight of steps, the visitor passes through a rose garden unto a deck overlooking a breath-taking view of the city of San Francisco.  Only after another turn, this one to the right, does the guest encounter the front door to Rachel’s abode.

You may be asking yourself why I am telling you about the entrance to this house.  I think the author’s illustration describes well my journey.  Before I embarked on this path to vowed membership with the Dominicans of Sinsinawa, I had had many life experiences which had happily formed me as I am.  In fact, before an invitation was first extended, I had no idea the “front door of the house” was even there.  My journey was not only circuitous, but the eventual door was a hidden surprise.   

What surprises have you encountered in your life journey?
How have they formed you as you are today? 
Are you now being called to take another path to a surprise entrance?

Anne Sur, OP
East Dubuque, Illinois

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