Tag Archives: trust

…by the ego.

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“…we are dominated today by the ego-drama in all of its ramifications and implications. The ego-drama is the play that I’m writing, I’m producing, I’m directing, and I’m starring in. We see this absolutely everywhere in our culture. Freedom of choice reigns supreme: I become the person that I choose to be.

The theo-drama is the great story being told by God, the great play being directed by God. What makes life thrilling is to discover your role in it.

This is precisely what has happened to Mary. She has found her role—indeed a climactic role—in the theo-drama, and she wants to conspire with Elizabeth, who has also discovered her role in the same drama.

And like Mary, we have to find our place in God’s story.” 

Father Robert Barron

Without a doubt, discovering your role in the great play is meant to be a thrilling endeavor.

But at the same time, it can also be  an unnerving, unsettling, daunting and down right scary experience as well.

That too comes with the territory. For you are meant to dig deep into this, His audition.

You have to find the courage within to allow Him to write, produce and direct you in the role of a lifetime. Embracing your freedom to choose to follow His script.

Allowing yourself to grow into  the character He has seen you as, and longed for you to become before you were even a glimmer or gleam in the eyes of others. 

Finding  your spot; whether in front of, on, to the side or back stage.

And practicing a faith that prepares you to deliver in thought, word and deed upon His cue.

Talk about character development.

Mary and Elizabeth were pivotal figures in His great play.

They intentionally and willingly found their mark on His stage.  And allowed themselves to unconditionally follow His lead in the theo drama for the ages.

So if you think  your story line isn’t what you thought it would be, let not the plot thicken. Seek to change the author.  For the Holy Ghost is a writer extraordinaire.

And you were built to pursue the career path in parallel with  His two foremost leading ladies.  On a journey that took them to follow His light.

Rather than seeking one that was bound to flicker.

A temporary incandescence that is kindled only by the ego.

Practice

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The competitive nature of athletics is said to develop character.

And, it is thought that adversity’s task is to reveal it.

Perhaps.

But maybe character isn’t so much in need of development or of being revealed. Though its expectations remain high, it could be that character’s demands are much simpler to grasp.

Maybe character is just desperate to be spoken. And then, heard.

To be trusted and afforded the benefit of the doubt.

That stands to reason. Since character always knows the right thing to do and just when to do it.

And as you begin to listen, then hear, you will find yourself drawn closer towards it. Finding comfort in its embrace, a sense of purpose in its guidance and a growing courage to use it to face everything life can throw your way.

Character simply yearns to be the first, the best and the last choice you would ever make.  And learning to act upon its “recommendation” puts you on a trajectory aimed directly toward your best interests.

Let’s look at it this way.

To effect tangible, positive and lasting influence on anything you choose to master, only one thing is known to work.

Practice.

If it is engineering, medicine or teaching that has captured your heart, then you put your desires to practice.

The cello? Singing arias, painting with watercolors, architecture, cooking or film?  Mastery is not gained in one attempt.  But in many.

It takes practice.

Is it service that calls you?

Then finding the pathway – both within and without –  that will lead you there takes effort, commitment.

And, practice.

For some, athletic competition is what makes the spirit soar.  To become all you intend to be, you have to employ all that you are to honor that purpose.

Through  practice.

So to be able to hear, trust and embrace character’s voice?

It takes practice.

By developing good listening habits. Getting attuned to its singular voice. Hearing its message.

Having faith in its command and making a commitment to heeding its wisdom. Learning to allow it to be your unshakable guide and loyal mentor. And developing  the patience to allow it to do its work.

Over, and over, and over, and over again.

Putting character into practice.