Exploration & Discernment
The primary way that I’ve been getting around and becoming
familiar with Denver is by riding my bicycle. This city is an ideal home
for bikers, too—between the bike-friendly public transit, the abundant bike
lanes and the extensive trail system you can pretty much get anywhere. I’ve
found that biking these trails provides some of the best space for
contemplative time and personal reflection.
It recently dawned on me that there are some similarities
between those exploratory rides and the journey that has been my discernment of
religious life. The trail infrastructure in and around Denver is
excellent—it’s well-planned and carefully thought-out and clearly took years to
develop. Similarly, the discernment process that I’ve experienced with
the Sinsinawa Dominicans has been solidly founded, well-developed and
thoughtfully designed over time.
My first time on a trail, there are often mysterious forks
where the signage at a given juncture is confusing (or absent), but I generally
know which direction I’m headed—and occasionally I find maps showing the area
that help me to get oriented. The trails afford me the opportunity to
explore and gain appreciation of the less-traveled parts of Denver.
Likewise, from time to time I find the non-linear progression of the
discernment process challenging and confusing but my relationship with the
Sinsinawa sisters helps to orient me. It may not be as handy and
straightforward as a map revealing the full plan, but I know I’m secure and
supported in my exploration.
There have also been times when I feel totally lost exploring a
trail—I don’t know where I am and I have no idea where it will come out—but I
know I’m on a good path that leads somewhere. As I’m gaining exposure to
the joys of religious life and the challenges it presents, I know that I can
trust in a solid process that will lead me somewhere good.
Quincy Howard
Denver, CO
Comments
Post a Comment