We would like to think that eventually we will have things under control, that through
reasonable planning we can achieve our goals. Applying this principle to our spiritual life,
if we take one virtue at a time and work on it, eventually over the years we will arrive at
some degree of perfection. But does it always work that way?
For example, if our personality has a certain temperament of being irascible at times, will
we ever achieve perfect patience through our own efforts? Probably not. One of the key
elements of growing spiritually is self-knowledge. This can be translated into the virtue of
humility. With it, comes the realization that we will need to call on God’s spiritual gifts. I
believe that Jesus invites us to get out of the boat of our own devices and walk on water,
depending on him to keep us from going under. In other words, when we build ourselves
up with all of our accomplishments, it will be more difficult for us to discover our true
selves, which needs to rely on the goodness of God and the many blessings God has given
us. When we can come to the revelation that all of our life is gift, then God can begin to
do great things in and through us. “He who loses his life will find it.”

• Do you spend much time in planning for the future?

• Do you find it disturbing or refreshing when the unexpected happens that could be
beneficial?

• What helps you to put your trust in God?

O God, help me to put my trust in you when making future plans.