“be still and know that I am God.” Ps. 46:10

It was exciting to see my first blog post on our website.  And then, to see the comments that followed.  I am excited to be sharing thoughts in this way and I hope that by drawing on all the experiences I have had on college campuses, I may be able to connect with some millennials and Gen Z people here . . .so here we go. 

Let’s go to the Wisdom of the retreat.  I used to facilitate a vibrant retreat program called, “Prayer-in-Daily-Life.” It was a week-long, directed retreat held at the Georgetown University Law Center.  I always began sessions with retreatants by asking them to center and breathe deeply of the Spirit.  We always included the phrase, “be still and know that I am God.” 

As young adults and collegians, it is particularly stressful and time consuming and not conducive to centering in stillness.  I’ve listened to these issues for many years and am particularly attuned to them.  The times of stress can be demoralizing and paralyzing and then nothing of worth is accomplished.  This is precisely when a deep breath is called for.  Feel the Spirit move in you, breathe in you. 

Remember: “Be still and know that I am God.”  (Plus, no one knows why you took a deep breath!!)

“Seeing God in all things” is the central tenet of Ignatian spirituality.  Let’s take that to heart.  God resides in our heart, breathes in our soul.  How different our life would be if we could see God residing in every person, place and event of our day! 

Let this be our mantra for today and every day–God in our life and the lives of all those whom we encounter.  This could be the Spirit of Surprise, indeed!