A new year. A new semester. A natural time to consider our choices and commitments, and a good opportunity to also reflect on God’s desires for us.
Like many, I have looked back at the highlights and struggles of 2024. I see some growth. I recognize some incredible blessings. I wince at some regretful words or actions. Happily, I also see God’s presence in many of the events of last year. The well-known Ignatian dictum to “find God in all things” provides encouragement to look at the ordinary and day-to-day occurrences and to see the divine fingerprints in a daughter’s accomplishments, in many wonderful close friendships, in my son’s commitment to a lovely woman in marriage, etc.
- Looking back over the past year, where do you see blessings, God’s faithfulness to you and growth in wisdom?
Looking forward in this dark and cold time of the year, some of us can feel overwhelmed, exhausted and lacking in energy to embrace 2025 boldly and gratefully. We see the challenges in ourselves – perhaps bad habits, which can seem firmly entrenched, a lack of patience or waning courage. We see the brokenness in others and in our larger world – natural disasters, financial struggles, seemingly deepening divisions in our communities. This is just the point at which the Ignatian tradition encourages us to reframe our perspective.
- What is God inviting me to? What resonates in my heart and soul?
- What do my desires (sometimes reflected as frustrations and struggles) offer for me to prayerfully consider?
- Where does greater love call me?
This is the rich soil of our lives where God works.
Perhaps the invitation this year is for a less busy schedule and more time for reflection. Perhaps I am called to take action and get involved more deeply. Perhaps there are relationships I need to invest in. Or maybe I need to get out of my comfort zone in some way. What excites me to consider?
To me, this question of “What is God inviting me to?” is pivotal in my prayer. Personally, the answer I have been sitting with as 2025 begins is kindness. Noticing it. Practicing it. Offering it to myself. Growing in it.
- How do you answer the question of “What is God inviting me to?” in 2025?
Kathy O’Keefe
Creighton Prep