Worthwhile Processes

SAT., DEC. 3, 1988, 6:55 AM
FARM, STUDY

As is often the case when you sit down for this time with Me, the Holy Spirit, you feel apprehensive about the process. Your mind suggests that it is irrational and time consuming. When the title comes to you it often seems strange… or insufficient. You wonder, o son, why you are doing this at all.

Many worthwhile processes, in earth life, are time consuming and may not be pleasant or spirit-fulfilling as they are being carried out, even when you feel sure the results will be as you wish. Earth life itself is a process. Yours is way above average in its lack of struggle and in its pleasant moments. Many lives are full of ugly, degrading processes, but, whatever the circumstances, earth life is worthwhile. Each one shall know that as his life ends, whatever the process.

You contribute, from time to time, toward the work of Covenant House, that program headed by Father Bruce for kids who are on the streets without homes. I call this a worthwhile contribution, for there are many such youngsters for whom the life processes are grim, and not enough people and programs to help them through this difficult time in life. With limited monies it is a difficult process to decide where that beyond your own needs should go. This program deserves some, certainly.

The process you established for this sabbatical project is now in an onerous stage. You do not have the inherent discipline to do this project easily. Yet I tell you that it is a worthwhile process, potentially as a contribution to your field and actually for your own scholarly ambitions. Give it rather full attention as this last month of your leave approaches.

The process of helping this Farmhouse warm as the outside temperature drops is one that you have had to compromise. You enjoy the wood-cutting and splitting, but you are unwilling to try to generate all your heat from that wood. It is satisfying process as you now are doing it, but you cannot envision it as supplying all for your heat needs, without its becoming too demanding. Enjoy the process as long as you can. You know that all processes requiring physical strength and stamina will become more difficult as you age, so savor them as you can fulfill them joyfully.

The process of being a parent continues, even as your sons are grown and have their own parental roles. You have given help to them, even as you have encouraged them to take care of themselves. You are now reluctant to ask help of them, but this “shift” is part of the life process I have instituted in families. I tell you that it is worthwhile to seek and receive help from your grown children as this seems necessary. You can continue to contribute to their lives and those in their families, but seek to lose the reluctance to receive help as you move along in age.

Tomorrow you shall participate in a remembrance process. Even as this is the Advent season, with remembrance of My birth as Jesus as the focus, tomorrow you shall remember the sacrifice, as symbolized in Holy Communion. It is a familiar process, but one quite worthwhile. Be aware, tomorrow, of the process as it unfolds and as you are a part of it.

Finally, let Us return to this process. You are rarely reluctant to come, and it is seldom that you are not pleased with the result. Yet you still have a sense that this is a weird process, one that you share with no one of your acquaintance. You enjoy the positive comments about your Ruminations, and these letters would not be possible without these “source materials.” All I can say is… Persist. I shall be faithfully present to help you fulfill this process. It is unique, and I like it. Remember that I am outside of time, so it doesn’t “tie me up” for an hour or so, as it does you. Do not judge the title nor the finished pages. All are potentially worthwhile, depending on circumstances.

I shall not ask that you come each day of your vacation trip. Your other project is of prime importance. Yet I do want you to come as often as you do here at home. I shall have some insights for you, which can be easily rendered through this familiar process.