How Are We Called to Love?![]() A few years ago, as I first began my work as the communications director for the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, I had an opportunity to spend some time in conversation with one of the sisters who was serving in leadership. Having previously been a vocation director, Sister Michele was helping me better understand how each of us is called to serve in different ways. She summarized the call of the Holy Spirit in one question: How are we called to love? That question has stayed with me through the years and is a touchstone for my moments of discernment, like when I was offered the opportunity to become the TI executive director. When I find myself at crossroads in life, I try to pause and ask how God is calling me to love. Occasionally, the question reveals a clear direction. More often, I simply take a step forward in loving faith, not knowing where the path leads. Through the challenges of the pandemic, the ups and downs of the world’s turmoils, and the many changes we have been forced to make in our daily lives over the past couple of years, I continue to wonder how God is calling each of us to love. What path are we being directed to take? What are we being asked to leave behind? What new tasks are we being invited to do? And, perhaps, most importantly, are we ready and willing to take those steps forward, even when we are unsure? The scriptural inspiration for this issue of Dimension Connections is the parable of the bridesmaids from Matthew 25:1-13. We read in this parable that the wise bridesmaids brought extra oil as they waited for the bridegroom, while the foolish bridesmaids brought none (Mt 25:3-4). As I reflect on this parable at the beginning of my journey as your executive director, I question if I am one of the foolish bridesmaids who is ill-equipped for the task or if I am one of the wise ones with my oil lamp well-fueled and ready to go. Honestly, I think I am a little of both. Yet, beyond the contrasts of wisdom and foolishness in this parable, there is another message that really speaks to me in these times of transition. It is a message of rest. As the bridesmaids waited, they fell asleep (Mt 25:5). They didn’t chase. They didn’t run about frantically trying to figure out what to do. They paused and slept. As a fan of afternoon naps, I really love this part of the parable. The uncertainty of transition – whether it is caused by a pandemic, by political crises, or by the change of leadership in an organization - is often accompanied by a frenzy of activity. Endless to-do lists. Never-ending questions. Calendars full of meetings and events, even if they are all on Zoom. Phone calls. Emails. Texts. Oh, and did I remember to update Facebook and Twitter so that my friends know I’m in a whirlwind of activity? With all that chatter, how can I hear the quiet whisper of God’s call to love? This first year as your executive director will inevitably be a busy one. There is a lot to do and to learn. However, I hope to follow the bridesmaids’ example and remember to rest. It is my restful moments in prayer, on walks through nature, or even during Saturday afternoon naps that I am most able to experience the embrace and call of Divine Love.
5 Comments
Stephanie
11/26/2021 08:19:27 am
Beautiful Tammy! Thank you for reminding me to rest!
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Mary Ann DeMont
11/29/2021 08:58:20 am
What a lovely and inspiring reflective greeting, Tammy. It spoke to me in spirit when I needed to be listening! Blessings on your new journey with us Theresian sisters. We are blessed that the Lord chose you for our leader-guide into new territories of growth. Mary Ann
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Tammy Townsend Denny
11/29/2021 09:02:47 am
Thank you, Stephanie and Mary Ann, for your kind words.
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Jet Booth
12/2/2021 04:58:11 am
Tammy , welcome again. Your reflection was so poised, peaceful and yet honest, too. You are just the right person to walk with us in this new phase. Welcome aboard!
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Tammy Townsend Denny
12/2/2021 08:39:48 am
Thank you, Jet!
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