... In Search of Detachment

In reflecting on this past week, I can't count the number of times I've heard or read or thought about detachment. It's not always a common topic in our world today, where most of society is telling us to store up wealth, posessions, material goods ... you know. I'm not talking about detachment from wearing different jewelry each day, enjoying "jean days" versus our lovely blue jumpers, personalized decorations in my room, or even familiar foods, although those are definitely small parts of this adjustment process and necessary in this life. But as my Mom told me once, "April, just because you are getting rid of everything you own, doesn't mean we have to." I know that to an extent these material goods are necessary and good, just as long as they are not the greatest good. When Don Bosco went to visit what would be the future Salesian Sisters in Mornese, Italy for the first time, "he found such detachment from earthly things and such enthusiasm for heavenly goods in those simple girls." How beautiful! I hope one day, those words can be true for myself.
There are many ways to be detached, in addition to "leaving everything behind".

• Detachment from our own ideas and opinions. Choosing to do something for someone else or following their advice, even when its a sacrifice. Not having to be right or heard every time we have something to share.
• Detachment from being comfortable. We have a great love for our comfort zone in spending time with only people similar to us, being in a comfortable environment, and not being stretched: usually not how God wants us to live out our faith. On the feast of St. Francis yesterday we had a great reminder of detachment from comfort, living in true poverty and the joy that came from it! Even small mortifications like not eating your favorite comfort food, or offering a more comfortable chair to someone else can be a good reminder of this.
• Detachment from the people we love. It's difficult not to be frustrated or hold a grudge against someone who hasn't made the same effort to maintain a relationship. We can be detached from the desire to receive their attention, time, and effort, while praying for them and still being a good friend or family member to show them we care. Most of the time, they have good intentions, just aren't always the best at showing it! Assume the best. My wise friend shared with me this week, "You aren't leaving us behind, we just have to learn how to share!" What a fantastic point of view.
• Detachment from our plans, because often they change! I don't know how many times I've thought, I'll do that this afternoon or this morning I'm going to ... and then it doesn't happen. Just knowing that all we can do is do our best, and do everything with right intention. If we are really using our time well, not being lazy, and putting God first, He will bless our efforts and make sure we have the grace to complete all we have to do. Time management is huge when you are on a set schedule! I've learned if you have a minute, use it!

There are many more things you can add to this list, but I'll let you do the reflecting on what He might be asking you to detach from this week. I want to leave you with this quote from St. Mary Mazzarello, "Don't be attached even to a prayer book or holy card, but to God alone, because He alone can make us completely happy." Amen!

Party with the FMA

I have attached our Aspirant performance of: "Party With the F.M.A." The initials FMA stand for Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice which is Italian for Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the formal name for the Salesian Sisters. We thought it was especially appropriate, because as St. Don Bosco knew well, God is fun!