Stability

Stability

Benedictine Rule teaches the discipline of being content. This is a difficult thing to achieve in our world of consumerism. One has to look at the adverts in the paper and TV which are always screaming you need this to be this. Learning to be content with ourselves begins within.  Stability teaches us when to say yes to a move and no even if the move is attractive. It is the Achilles heels of the corporate world, that to move is to get ahead. Question is? Is this True? People in the corporate world tend to be on the fast lane and at what price? Loneliness, families in disarray, high divorce rates and children raised by nannies. Stability is crucial to our wellbeing, for we learn to appreciate life. We are able to take deep breaths, smell the flowers, watch the Red Robin in the garden and feel the gentle breeze on our faces; things we call life’s pleasures which you cannot buy. Stability teaches us, to persevere and not to flee at the first sign of trouble. The Benedictine Rule teaches about standing firm in times of trouble or trail.  Marriage is based on this rule, couples need to stand firm in the time of trails, and this echoes the marriage vows, for better for worse, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and poverty. Sickness does not necessary mean sick in bed, but it could that a partner has a weakness and many couples has prayed for healing for weakness of their partners and healing has been granted. We are taught to give in too quickly when it comes to marriage. As a childless couple we have really learnt and understood what it means to say, “I do” and “I love you,” words which we live by daily. We do not flee, but we stay, and we have discovered love and freedom, tremendous freedom.  This staying power has become the corner stone of our marriage.  God is our stability; we are utterly depended on God.  God is reliable and his presence ever true.  This has prevented us from tearing each other apart, by pursuing meaningless goals, to replace the missing child. For we have learnt that the two of us are what matters at the end of the day. We have to be happy with and within ourselves with or without children.  Stability says, “God is present whatever situation we are in, “and we must take comfort with this thought or this truth. In scripture our Lord Jesus said to us, “I am going to be with you until the end of time.” What reassuring words from our living God and this should give us stability? God is here right now, we have no need to fear.” Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Fr. Barnabas