In my morning prayers I ask the Holy Spirit to be my guide throughout my day. Then I plunge right in and diligently start walking my own path. It’s like asking someone’s advice, but never really intending to take it. We make big and small decisions all day long: should I have oatmeal or a sweet roll for breakfast? Should I take the bus or drive my car? I’ve been meaning to call my sister in California; should I do it now or wait until next week? Should we revise our will to leave the house to our daughter? Should we travel internationally in the present geo-political situation?
When my mind is full of questions, the first solutions that pop in, I shamefully admit, are the ones that are the easiest and that keep me in my comfort zone. After tussling with the decision for a bit, I finally go back to the Spirit and ask, “What would you have me do?”
If I really listen, the Spirit usually stretches me to see a bigger picture. Will my choice impact other people, and will it have ramifications in the future? Does this choice cause me to grow in some way beyond my self-centered world? Is this choice kind, a sacrifice maybe, something that lifts both me and others higher? The Holy Spirit has a different perspective that is certainly worth considering!
Like most children, I didn’t always do what my mother said. Later, sometimes years later, full of regrets, I could see that her advice really was for my own good and full of wisdom. Each new day gives me the opportunity once again to ask the Holy Spirit to be my guide. I am learning, through repeated errors, that the Holy Spirit knows the best path for my life and that I should attempt to follow it as closely as possible.
We couldn’t have a more patient, faithful, forgiving, and wise life coach than the Holy Spirit!
Come, Holy Spirit!
Jennifer Christ
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Prayer Prompt: Get ready for the Pentecost Sunday by praying the Litany of the Holy Spirit found at our prayers and blessing page HERE.
