This past summer several of us had the opportunity to go the Monastic Institute held at St. John's Abbey in Minnesota. It is a wonderful conference that focuses on Benedictine life. The speakers were very good and it was wonderful to meet Benedictines from all over the country.
Another highlight of our time there was enjoying the beautiful campus of St. John's. They have a beautiful lake that is surrounded by woods. On two of the days we were there, we had the chance to go canoeing. The first day the water was calm but the next day was very choppy. There were several times that Sr. Heather Jean and I almost tipped the boat. When we were trying to head back to shore, we got stuck in the middle of lake because of the strong wind. We just kept going in circles. It took great team work to get back to shore. Sr. Heather and I had to focus our eyes on the shore and work together to get back. Figuring out how to use our oars in tandem we slowly headed back to shore.
I learned a lot that day. How journeying with others makes all the difference. How we need to focus our eyes on the goal and start toward it. And, finally, how the oars we have make a big difference in how we proceed. As I think of the oars of my life, I realize that the Gospel, the Rule of Benedict and the Benedictine values serve as oars that help me navigate the paths of life.
