17. My spiritual community is an important part of my vocation.

(Before looking at the questions below, take a few minutes to think about this statement. Invite Jesus to speak to you about what He would like you to notice.) 

DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN A SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY THAT ENCOURAGES AND STRENGTHENS YOU? DO YOU DESIRE IT?

SOMETIMES OUR COMMUNITY IS OUR FAMILY OR CERTAIN FAMILY MEMBERS. DO YOU HAVE DEEP RELATIONSHIPS WITH SOME OF YOUR FAMILY? ALL OF THEM? DO YOU THANK GOD FOR GOOD RELATIONSHIPS?

ARE THERE PEOPLE FOR WHOM YOU ARE THEIR COMMUNITY, FAMILY?

Although our work environment often consumes a big part of our time, it is not the only space that we inhabit. We may have families, friends, weekend parties, church, hobbies, etc. that also take time. These non-workspaces are important and can serve to bring balance and health into our lives.

Benedictine spirituality focuses on three aspects of our lives: our private space of solitude with God, our engagement in community, and our public life in which we love the “stranger.” It is the first two, solitude and community, that give us the grace and capacity to love those outside of our “safe” relationships. A deep, loving, spiritual community can be a great asset to our vocation.

This community can provide encouragement when our jobs become hard or stressful. It can be a place where we can share our frustrations and be heard by others. Our community can also help us discern questions like: is there something in my workplace that I could change, is there something in myself that needs adjusting, is it time for me to seek another vocation or location, and what is God saying to me in this situation? This may happen simply by the community joining in prayer for me or by holding a space that lets me seek clarity, from others and from God.

Our community can also be the place where we experience loving relationships that meet our emotional needs, which may be being depleted in our workspaces. Finally, our community can celebrate with us when things go well at our work environment. Our vocations may be the ship we sail on our journey of life, but a healthy spiritual community can be the compass for our vessel.