Floating with the Currents of Christ

I once lived in a lodge in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, tucked into a lakeside cove. The simple log cabin was lined with windows. On clear days, I could see the trees on the other side of the lake, three miles away. Without going outdoors, I could see how the lake expressed its mood with colors and currents. Some days, water lured swimmers, boaters, and fishermen into the bright blue flow with a calm surface. Other days, choppy waves warned everyone that venturing in could be dangerous.

On calm days, my morning prayer routine would bring me onto the water. With a mug of black coffee, my psalm book, journal and pen I’d settle into a kayak and float with the currents, feeling the rising sun warm the water. From the kayak, I could see the sandy lake bottom. I felt awe as I watched fish, loons, ducks, and mergansers move below and above the water. Mostly, I rested into the peace and quiet, feeling the boat and my body pivot with the waves. I’d savor the sacred, imagining that the water was holding me and moving me along, like God.

We all grow and develop as we form our identity, beliefs, and lifestyles. And as we venture, we explore and discover our vocations, our callings. For Christians, this is a journey of discernment—listening and responding to the Spirit’s summons. We know Christ as shepherd and guide, as the Way who compels us into loving service, community and prayer. And in my experience, the work of discerning a vocation is much like being in relationship with a body of water. 

Being in relationship with a lake, a stream, a sea—means letting go of control, taking a risk, and entering the water. We allow a mystery bigger than ourselves to have power. Similar to being in relationship with God, aquatic ecosystems can be…

[This is the beginning of Sr. Julia’s latest contribution to Living City magazine. Continue reading here.]

You can read more by this author and more about discernment at messyjesusbusiness.com.