The Beginning and End of Every Path We Take

For the past six months, the Mount has been blessed with the companionship and assistance of live-in volunteers Marty and Tami Rymarz. Marty and Tami’s story illustrates what happens when we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Their study of the Rule of St. Benedict as oblates of St. Benedict Monastery in Oxford, Michigan, led them to discern that their lifestyle (which included demanding jobs and upkeep of a large house that left them little time to devote to their faith and family) didn’t match their values. Therefore, in May 2018 Marty took early retirement from his job as an engineer at GM and they bought an RV and trailer, sold their house, and gave away most of their possessions. They spent a year traveling and then were drawn to share in the prayer, community, and work of the Mount.

Yesterday we blessed Marty as he departed for a short-term consulting job in St. Charles, Mo. I was struck by the first line of the blessing: “Gracious God, you are the beginning and end of every path we take.” We often are aware of God’s presence as we begin a new path, but sometimes we feel alone when we come to the end of our current path and experience the sadness of completing a chapter of our life. It is comforting to think that God is present at those times of transition as well and is patient with us as we prepare for the new life that always awaits those who are in relationship with the One in whom we live and move and have our being.

Whether we are at the beginning, middle, or end of our current path, gratitude for blessings received and for the companionship of our loving God will always be our sure guide.