Words of Hope: Light to my Path
Dad loved Ignatius. He had a very Ignatian sensibility as a coach. Ignatius knew his call was to help people move toward a healed life through Christ. He saw how the decision to live wisely came through listening to the Holy Spirit; times of reading scripture, praying, reflection and contemplation. He recommended taking time to discern the spirits which are motivating or influencing us. This important daily practice for Ignatius was one my dad deeply revered.
Dad believed he must be dedicated to understanding the discernment of spirits and consider ways that draw us farther from God—addiction, bitterness, hatred, rage, ego, judgment, selfishness, ambition. The Holy Spirit draws us deeper into the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
I take time to consider what disordered thoughts place me out of alignment with the Holy Spirit. Love of self, love of comfort, love of judgment, love of power. These disordered thoughts draw me out of community with the Trinity.
Instead, how easily to hear the loving voice of God moving me toward ordered thinking — reverence, praise, gratitude, encouragement, delight, hope.
Like a person lost in the dark woods who finds the lighted and welcomed path, my mind becomes unburdened when in communion with the Spirit.
As soon as I step off the path into the weeds of complaint, dislike, scarcity, and hopelessness, the thoughts head toward disorder where no generative or creative love can emerge.
The Spirit calls, God is waiting, longing to bring me back to His path.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
– Psalm 119: 105
