This task is tricky. Suffering is so ubiquitous. Our lower nature loves suffering. And for some reason it often feels urgent to share our suffering with others. There is some value in explaining our suffering, especially if it involves exploring solutions. The EMT might say, "Tell me where it hurts" in order to evaluate appropriate treatment. A counselor might probe into past traumas to stimulate new
perspectives. A customer service representative might ask about your complaint in order to process a return.
But this task is about giving up suffering that is merely mechanical or dysfunctional. It's about acknowledging the suffering and choosing something else, a higher, nobler attitude.
Let's pray that the Lord shows us the way so we can follow Him.
I invite you to join me in working on these spiritual practices to help us follow the Lord and do as He did. Each of these is from the printed card deck of "52 Spiritual Growth Tasks." Additional information about each is also available on the Spiritual Growth Foundation website (choosejoynow.org)
NOTE: this website is undergoing a complete refresh. Please be patient if you find incomplete pages. We are working on it.
"FOLLOW ME" series
Jan 24 - Live in the present (task #8)
Jan 31 - Let worry go (task #23)
Feb 7 - Accept what is (task #25)
Feb 14 - Take initiative - Stop procrastinating (task #30)
Feb 21 - Give up suffering (task #32)
Feb 28 - Enter heaven (task #42)
Mar 7 - Keep going (task #49)
Join me in a small group on Wednesdays at 2 pm (Zoom)
As part of this Sunday series, I invite you to share your experience of practicing each task in a small group (through Zoom) each Wednesday at 2 pm. I find these small groups both centering and invigorating. I look forward to them and invite you to consider participating.
See below for the link to the Zoom
