On my desk sits a framed copy of a writing from Pedro Arrupe, SJ. I was first introduced to this when I was on our junior year retreat in high school by one of my all time favorite religion teachers, Mrs. Eldringhoff. The significance of this poem has resurfaced time and time again in my life over the last fourteen years. About a year ago, I found myself struck once again by the power of Arrupe’s words. Since then, this poem has sat framed on my desk, and I daily let its words soak and deepen in me.
Nothing is more practical than finding God,
That is, than Falling in Love
In a quite absolute final way.
What you are in love with
What seizes your imagination,
Will affect everything.
It will decide
What will get you out of bed in the morning,
What you do with your evenings,
How you spend your weekends,
What you read,
Who you know,
What breaks your heart, and
What amazes you with joy and gratitude.
Fall in love, stay in love,
And it will decide everything.
Today, simply let Fr. Pedro’s words deepen within us. Let’s be mindful and aware of which words or phrases tug at our hearts.
Have we fallen in love in a quite absolute, final way?
Becky Eldredge
February 9, 2010