Slowing Down and Focusing on God
“Go courageously to do whatever you are called to do. If your weakness troubles you, cast yourself in God, and trust Him. Trust in Him, depend on His Providence; fear nothing.” (St. Francis de Sales).
If you’re like me, you’ve been thinking about how to make your mark on the world for years. Maybe things have changed course a few times, but all in all, you still go at your profession or business like you have something to do. If you just try a little more, you’ll earn your next better job, next promotion, next degree program ... you name it — it’s there, and you’ll reach your full potential.
The problem with this philosophy is that there is way too much “you” in it. Many times, I have felt my life going on in rapid motion, only for it to slow me down to almost a snail's pace. Over time, I’ve realized that there’s a seasonality in what God is trying to teach me professionally and personally — a resounding message that applies to almost all businesswomen:
1. It’s Not About You
I look to saints like St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) and St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, who experienced a “dark night of the soul” when they did not feel God’s presence and felt alone and isolated from Him — but went about their calling, often with a smile on their faces.
Does narcissism sometimes get in the way of your contentment and love of people in the workplace and in other areas of your life? St. Teresa said, “Jesus can demand a great deal from us. It is precisely in those instances when He demands a great deal from us that we should give Him a beautiful smile.”
2. His Grace and Mercy Are Enough
We are not guaranteed anything.
This statement seems counterintuitive in our culture, which has us accelerating our productivity into oblivion. Romans 8:22-23 serves as a good reminder: “We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.”
We are more than this body and what we produce in this life!
3. Service Is About the Little Things, Too
Sometimes, work can feel too small and insignificant, especially if we compare ourselves to others. You may be familiar with St. Teresa of Calcutta’s philosophy of “doing small things with great love.” Have you stopped to think about what it really means?
One example of a small act that means a lot to someone is remembering a birthday, anniversary, or death date. For someone who has lost someone close to them, reaching out via text to show that you remember the significance of the date of that loss means the world! Similarly, doing your work well saves others stress and allows systems to work well! There is nothing that is too small to do for the glory of God.
4. If We Hope in God, He Will Show Us His Providence
Unpacking the word “providence” can be complicated, because God’s providence looks different for each person. Chapter 14 of the Book of Wisdom is a good place to start: “But your providence, O Father! guides it, for you have furnished even in the sea a road, and through the waves a steady path” (Wisdom 14:3). Tuning in with God is our surest way to His providence, no matter where it may take us.
5. Cultivating the Cloister Within
Speaking of tuning in, a big part of Carmelite spirituality is carrying Jesus with us and engaging Him in dialogue each day. The idea of carrying a cloister within us can ring true to any working woman. As we go on about our day, taking refuge and solace within our relationship with Jesus is the way to find strength and direction.
Perhaps your career is not coming together exactly the way you want or you are in the midst of a transition. Direction for how to carry on only can come from the divine source, and our No. 1 job is to stay attuned to our calls for our spirituality and vocation. As you search, you may find weight coming off of you as your focus is more and more upon Jesus.
Molly Franzonellois a wife and health care systems innovator in Washington, D.C. When not driving all over the metropolitan area to see “her people,” you can find her reading, writing, researching, or staycationing at her favorite spots in the District.