The last two weeks, we looked at two causes of restlessness, God’s pursuit of us and our sinful choices.  This week, let’s turn to another cause of restlessness – when we say “no” instead of “yes.”

This type of restlessness is the kind I wrestled with for years before I finally said “yes” to writing my book.  God was inviting me over and over again to pick up a pen or put my fingers on the keyboard and write.  I gave a number of reasons as to why I couldn’t or shouldn’t write.  

I felt like Jacob wrestling with the man in the dream (Gn 32: 23-33) as God was seeking to give him a new name and a new role.  When I finally acquiesced and said “yes” instead of “no,” my restlessness subsided.  

Cause #3:  God’s invitation to say “yes” 

As we continue on the path of faith, God raises desires within us to act in ways that correspond to the gifts we are given.  God not only gives us the desires and the gifts, but God also gives us the means and opportunities to act on them.  

Sometimes we feel restless because we are simply not doing what God is inviting us to do.  This might mean we are not discerning the vocation God is asking us to pursue or we might not be saying “yes” to an opportunity to use our gifts or to live out a call.  This restlessness we feel might be God getting our attention and inviting us to say “yes” and act on the invitation.    

Notice this week any restlessness you might feel.  As you notice it, ask yourself:

• Is God inviting me to say “yes” to something and I am ignoring it?
• Is there a new call God is inviting me to tend to, but I am to afraid to pursue it?
• Might God be inviting me to use one of my gifts and I am not doing so?

Next week, we will take a deeper look at what calms our restlessness.  

Go Deeper?

• Pray:
  • Gn 32: 23-33// Jacob wrestles
  • 1 Samuel 3// God calls Samuel
  • Romans 11: 25-29// God’s Irrevocable Call

Monday, November 13,2017:

Join me today on the Jen Fulwiler show!  It’s always a joy to dialogue with Jen on her radio show.  She’s fun, full of life, and wise.  We will be discussing spiritual direction, motherhood, and marriage!  Tune in today at 2:20pm CT/3:20pmET!!

Thursday, November 16, 2017:  Women in Spirit, St. Joseph’s Cathedral

I’m excited to be speaking at Women in Spirit on Thursday at 12pm on the topic:  “Inner Chapel:  The Intimacy of Interior Life“.  Women In Spirit is an interfaith gathering of women seeking spiritual growth and sharing new and affirming perspectives on faith in everyday life.  Offering a welcoming haven from the stresses of office and home, monthly programs include a complimentary lunch with time for networking with others who represent a spectrum of ethnic origins and religious affiliations.

If you would like to attend, email wis@cathedralbr.org or call St. Joseph’s Cathedral at 225-387-5928.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017:  Loyola Institute for Ministry Webinar

I am excited to be offering a webinar through the Loyola Institute for Ministry called “Advent: Anticipating Encounter, Awaiting Accompaniment”!  I graduated from the LIM program in 2008, and I credit this program for helping me deepen my understanding of Ignatian spirituality and ministry.  This webinar reflects on key themes in Pope Francis’s teaching through the lens of Advent.  Join me at 8PM CST on November 29, 2017!

Becky Eldredge

Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (March 2017, Loyola Press) and The Inner Chapel (April 2020, Loyola Press). She helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, through writing, and through spiritual direction. With nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church, Becky seeks to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of people’s lives by utilizing St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the many gifts that our Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality provide.