In Search of the Spirit A monthly letter from the Glenmary Vocation Office

February 2002

Winter: Blessing or Curse?

By Father Steve Pawelk

Snow covers the barren trees causing some to admire the beauty and others to
fear for their lives. For some it a blessing of God and for others it is a
curse.

So, too, for those searching for the Spirit during this wintertime of barren
trees and brown earth. Winter is an in- between time-at least for those of
us in non-tropical areas. Yet, for the land to produce the fresh greenness
of spring, the awakening aroma of budding life, the harvest of abundant
fruit, the fallow time of snow-covered fields is necessary. Without the
snow, the earth would lack necessary moisture. Without the rest, many plants
would not be able to produce.

As we discern God‚s will in our lives, we need a little winter. In
Ecclesiastes we read, "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time
for every affair under the heavens" (3:1). When the time of winter comes,
however, some find it a blessing and others a curse. What accounts for the
difference?

The difference may lie in our interior attitudes. In our U.S. culture we
have a tendency to do what we want, when we want. We have fast food, 24-hour
stores and instant banking. No waiting, no fuss. In other words, we tend to
lack patience.

Winter, by its nature, requires waiting. It requires driving more slowly.
Such waiting, such slowing down, opens up the opportunity for enjoying the
beauty of life, listening to new sounds and becoming comfortable with "doing
nothing." Driving slowly requires us to focus on one thing at a time, to
plan our day differently, to give up on accomplishing so many things at
once.

The winter of discernment can do the same. The silence of a soul wanting to
know God‚s will now can be peaceful or fearful depending on our attitude.
Thus, patience is not the only gift necessary. We can patiently wait in the
doctor‚s office, but be filled with anxiety. With patience, we need trust.
Trust-that God‚s Son will melt the snow and clear a path. Trust-that the
barrenness of winter will be followed by the new-ness of spring. Trust-that
what we need will be given in God‚s time.

Four men have decided to apply to Glenmary for this next year. Others are
still waiting to know what God desires of them. Some have applied with great
confidence, and others with some anxiety. Some wait in peacefulness, and
others wait in anxiety. What accounts for the difference?

Just remember Jesus' words in Matthew's Gospel: "Be not afraid" (28:10) and
"I am with you always" (28:20).

For other issues of In Search of the Spirit

	For more information, contact For more information, contact: Father Steve Pawelk Vocation Director  spawelk@glenmary.org