If I could change one thing about 2012, what would it be?

Someone asked me if I could change one thing about 2012, what would it be?  2012 was a strange year for me.  It is the first year since I could remember that I have spent much of my time away from home.  I spent the first half of it as a candidate and to my surprise, the second half as a novice.  It was a year of many transitions.  In the midst of all those transitions, I was called for the first time to be pastoral.  It was a bit overwhelming at first emotionally to hear the stories of people telling me about their broken families, broken relationships and broken hearts.  I was glad that they felt comfortable talking to me about their hardships, but sometimes it was too much for me to listen to.  I have some people crying on me at times and you just don’t know what else to do besides embracing them.  It was a struggle between wanting to find the right words to say and wanting to do something to help.  A lesson that took me a whole year to learn was that sometimes just being there and being wholly present is enough.  I probably cannot fix most things, but I am able to reflect the love and hope of God to them and trust that God will take care of the rest.  This is really easier said than done for me.

So if I could change one thing about 2012, what would it be?  I wish I was more gentle with people.  I wish I was more compassionate, more comforting and more loving.  I know that’s more than one thing, but the point being, helping to lift other people’s burdens to show them that God’s grace can and will heal.  I am reminded of Fr. Ronald Rolheiser’s words, “Like the prodigal son, the world needs first of all to be surprised by unconditional love.”  How true is that?  Jesus did not start his ministry by lecturing others.  He started with love and mercy.  In the end, whatever I do in the new year, I want to begin with Jesus and always done in his name.  I had the privilege of journeying with many people I’ve met in 2012 and the privilege of serving others in my continual learning of humility and love.

Have a blessed 2013 everyone!