Surrendering to God's Invitations: A Lesson from a Coffeemaker

Surrendering to God's Invitations: A Lesson from a Coffeemaker

Recently, we had to purchase a replacement coffeemaker in our Jesuit community. As usual, I dreaded the process of reading through the instruction manual to get it up and running. But, to my surprise (and eventual relief!), all I found in the box was a single card, with a couple of pictures on it showing the steps. Actually, that seems to be the case with a number of products these days.

The reason I bring this up is because the process reminded me of the same struggle that I frequently battle in my own prayerful endeavors to discern God’s invitations to me and how I should respond. Too often, I find myself looking for detailed instructions from God, rather than truly surrendering to a “picture” He wants me to color with the graces He has given only to me. It’s trust I need, much more than clarity.

Maybe, sometimes, it’s the Devil who is in the details…

Get the picture?

(We) have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator. - Colossians 3:10

Fr. Mike French, SJ