Dodie – My Promise for 2025
What prevents me from preferring nothing whatever to Christ?
I get really upset and angry when my human gets out the vacuum and when the doorbell rings. When the aggravation stops those angry feelings linger and I can’t pray! And it makes me think that God has forgetten me!!
Practices from the Rule to help me craft my promise:
“The fourth step of humility is that in this obedience under difficult, unfavorable, or even unjust conditions, our hearts quietly embrace suffering and endure it without weakening or seeking escape. For scripture has it: Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved (Matt 10:22), and again, Be brave of heart and rely on God” (Ps 27:14). RB 7.35-37
“Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. It is bound to be narrow at the outset. But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God’s commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love.” Prologue 48-49
“Place your hope in God alone.” RB 4.41
My 2025 Promise:
I will do my best to accept the vacuum and the doorbell, recognizing that God has a purpose in both. I will hurry to another room, breathe deeply, and turn to God.
What my human needs to learn to help her prefer nothing whatever to Christ:
How to live a spiritual life while still being in the world with all its distractions.
Practices from the Rule to help my human craft her promise:
“We believe that the divine presence is everywhere.” RB 19.1a
“Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God.”
Prologue 9
“That [the superior] may not plead lack of resources [or a plethora of distractions] as an excuse, they are to remember what is written: Seek first the reign and justice of God, and all these things will be given you as well (Matt 6:33), and again, Those who reverence the Holy One lack nothing (Ps 34:10).” RB 2.35-36 Modified by Novice Dodie
“Place your hope in God alone.” RB 4.41
My Human’s 2025 Promise:
Dodie asks you to join her and craft your own 2025 Promise.