Reflection #39 Shifting Gears
The Gap Year by Patricia D. Brown
Reflection # 39 Shifting Gears
“The work you have begun so well, complete it!” --Clare of Assisi
In this gap year, humility helps. So does a sense of humor. I’m doing what I see to do, admitting that my vision is not yet clear. I’ve come to recognize that to center only on myself and my personal needs is a small confined way to live. So in the early months, to move beyond my own little world, I looked into volunteer opportunities: the local food bank and library special events. I got my clearances and took the required training to be a reading tutor in the local elementary school… but after a year of waiting, was never assigned. Sometimes I am disheartened. I asked myself if my contributions were but a drop of water in a desert of need. There is so much to do and I am so limited.
Perhaps you feel this way too. This thinking may cause us to be indifferent and wash our hands of it all. Yet, can we shrug at needs that feel insurmountable? I am reminded by other women who work in very difficult conditions with no other goal than to meet the needs and alleviate the suffering of others. So, I continued on with my search.
Later life is a time-- not to stop, but instead shift gears. When I contemplate revising my life, I think about learning to see it anew with many possibilities that I could not have envisioned before. Shifting gears, and revising our life, is no easy task. There are many twists and turns; some are comical, some sweet and others sour, others tragic, and still others mystery.
As I transition, I don’t know what will come next, but keep on keeping on. It isn’t always comfortable to be in the midst of transformation. I’m going to have to continue to change and adapt. Change is guaranteed, so I’ll expect it today and from now on.
Now it’s your turn.
Take time to reflect and if in a group, share as you feel able.
When I consider this transition in life I:
a) am doing what I see to do, admitting that my vision is not yet clear.
b) question if my contributions are wanted or at all important.
c) see many possibilities that I could not have envisioned before.
d) don’t know what will come next but keep on keeping on.