Conversion

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During this Lenten season this year, I have been focusing on Conversion – turning around, looking at a life situation from a different perspective, moving on.  I’ve seen several different examples, some in surprising circumstances. 

For example, I viewed one of my favorite classic movies on TCM network recently – National Velvet.  It is the story of a teenage girl, played by twelve-year-old Elizabeth Taylor, who believed a rogue horse she won in a lottery could win the Grand National.  At the end of the movie, her mother, a very wise woman, told Velvet she was proud of her because she recognized that she had pursued her dream, but now knew it was time to move on.  There is a season.  If you’ve never seen this movie, it’s worth a trip to the local library or Netflix to find the DVD.  There are multiple examples of conversion in the movie.

Watching the NCAA tournament this past weekend I realized that 68 teams and coaches began the journey pursuing the dream of winning the NCAA basketball championship.  All 68 teams worked and hoped to be in the “Final Four.”  That dream ended sooner for most.  Eventually, however, all the teams and coaches will need to move on, even the winner.  All will need to convert more than just the right shot or free throws. 

Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph, who is a prime example of looking differently at life circumstances. What a conversion he had to make in order to accept a new role in his life!

I’ve reflected on the many times in my life when I’ve moved on, looked at life experiences from a different perspective, turned around my thinking. 

How about you? 
Do you have a conversion story?
Have you been called to move on to a different journey in your life?

Anne Sur, OP
East Dubuque, IL

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