Isn't this so beautiful? I thought so. I stumbled upon it this past week. (If you're like me and have no clue what the Centesimus Annus was, it's an encyclical that was written by Pope John Paul II back in 1991. I used my mad Wikipedia skills to figure that one out. If you've never read anything by John Paul II, you really should. His stuff is amazing.)
What really is determining our choices, savings and investments? What type of lifestyle are we creating? I have to say that I love his use of the word "create" in this context--the idea of being INTENTIONAL in our way of living. Not just living according to our means (if we make a lot, we spend a lot), but striving to really craft a lifestyle that is pure and good and self-sacrificing.
Over the years we've tried to be a bit more intentional about how we live. It seems much easier (for us anyway) to be intentional in the big picture stuff vs. the everyday small stuff. Because it's in the everyday where my intentions meet my exhaustion. But perhaps that is where intentionality matters the most.
Hmmm. There is some food for thought there. As I contemplate the path God has us on with this adoption journey that is so not turning out the way we thought it would--at all--I'm wondering if we're being nudged in a new direction, or called to be intentional in a different way than we'd expected. Instead of feeling frustrated that I don't know where this is headed, or what we should do...maybe it's an opportunity...to pursue truth, beauty, goodness. Creating a lifestyle.
Yes, food for thought to be sure.
6 comments:
Come to the dark side, convert to Catholicism. You love JP II, we love JP II. He is an amazing writer, isn't he?
Katie
Katie HA!!!! I'm probably about 60% of the way there. You have better writers, bigger families and quite frankly, your theology makes a whole lot more sense. Plus, Martin Luther was nuts. :)
oh, brianna, that is a beautiful quote and a beautiful thought. it's funny, cade and i were just talking about being intentional last night--writing out goals for our family this next year, goals for each child, perhaps a missions statement for our family. it sounds super cheesy, but i think there is a lot of value in moving towards something specific. last fall, eli's school had us sit down and write a missions statement pertaining to why were at this school. i totally balked at doing the exercise and thought it was dumb, but after i did it, i was amazed. it was a powerful experience and i find myself referring to it often. anyway, all this to say, that i see what you're saying and i agree. now, to put it in action...
I love this!
What a beautiful quote! One of the things I love best about you Briana is your openness and joy about whatever God may have next for you and your family in life. He did lead you into starting this adoption process and I can't wait to see where he brings you and (perhaps more importantly) all the amazing thing he teaches you along the way.
I LOVE that quote. And yes, JP II is wonderful to read, to listen to, to learn from. :)
I see you're about to move your blog...hope I catch it so I can be sure I'm still following when you make the move.
:)
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