I'm returning from two months sabbatical. Most of it was at home, so it wasn't a complete get-away, but that proved to be useful. Time away is relaxing, and may lead to insight, but the real point for me is to renew and deepen my commitment to the monastic life, to the Companions, and to life with Elizabeth. In our daily lives we get on tracks that may not serve us, and without time to reflect and talk they turn into ruts.
I did get some time away, at the beginning and the end, but I did not get the extended trips I had planned. And because I didn't, I was available for other opportunities: an Enneagram workshop that opened up a lot for me, and a weekly writers' group that is teaching me and inspiring me. And because I was here, Elizabeth and I could have good conversations. Together, over these past five months, we have indeed been renewed.
Which leads me to what I want to focus on.
We had gotten used to people not joining us in residential monastic life. Elizabeth held out hope that someone would come, but I was frankly resigned. I had stopped talking or writing about it, and I was open to the possibility that God really wanted us to be the only ones, to be the seeds for the larger Companions community, which is indeed growing. But the sabbatical reignited that desire in me. When I told Elizabeth, she immediately said, "Yes! We need to tell people again!" So here I am.
I know this may not seem the time to be considering whether you have a monastic vocation, but I think it's perfect. COVID is shaking us all up, sometimes forcing us to reconsider our priorities and choices. And the conviction of call, the mutual discernment, are slow processes. So now may not be the time to visit (unless you've quarantined for two weeks!), but it may be the time to ask yourself, is this something I have put off, or put away in a dark corner of my mind? Might God be inviting me to "sell all" to buy the pearl of great price? Might I dare to look?
This question is not just for women. We decided long ago that if men felt a vocation we were open. If you are trans or non-binary, same thing. We are interested in you, and in what God is up to in you.
You may be thinking you're too old. Well, I don't know. I'm no spring chicken myself. The question is, are you young enough at heart to be open, to be a beginner, to trust others in your life? Are you brave enough to try?
I don't know. You may have other objections. But if you feel the nudge, give us a shout and let's talk about it. We are not out to harm you; if it feels wrong, we will tell you. But it just might be right.
Our email is companionsma@gmail.com. Start praying; if not for yourself, please pray for others to find their way, and for us to be ready to receive them. God bless you in your vocation, whatever it may be.
