Guest Post
Marcia McLaughlin
Sometimes we have so much difficulty seeing clearly what is ahead of us. Recently I was at Holden Village, a retreat center in the mountains. The top photo was taken out my bedroom window, which was covered with snow. The colors were beautiful, but I couldn’t tell at all what was beyond my window, other than the snow. Less than 48 hours later, because of melting snow, I was able to see the trees and buildings beyond my window. Life can be like this—we struggle and struggle to make sense out of life, not seeing our way out of a difficult situation.
Then something happens that changes our vision and brings sudden clarity. The confusion and struggle melt away as the snow did, opening up to an answer. The snow melts when the temperatures get warm enough. One can wait for that to happen or use a shovel to dig your way through the snow. When our vision of a situation is blocked by something, we may have to wait or perhaps there is something we can do to bring clarity. What or who helps you when you are in the midst of confusion and struggle and need clarity? Since my blocked window was on the 2nd floor, I wasn’t capable of removing the snow. I had to wait. Are you able to wait when nothing you can do removes the block, when struggling is futile? How is God a part of finding clarity? How is God a part of stopping the struggle and waiting?
1 Corinthians 13: 12-13. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face.
Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.
Marcia Mclaughlin is my colleague in spiritual direction ministry. She ministers as spiritual director, pastoral care counselor, and retreat leader at Richmond Beach UCC. I am delighted to share her wisdom with you.
Link to Marcia’s Linkedin Profile:
Spirituality Without Borders: Reflections on Spiritual Practice 