Joyful Abandon

“As you embark on the spiritual path, try to remember to walk with joyful abandon.” Teresa of Avila, The Book of My Life (1562)

I am just back inside from a walk by Lake Superior, a beautiful breezy spring walk in Duluth, Minnesota, where we are experiencing 55 degrees on March 23. Because we are often in the middle of a heavy, wet snowstorm on March 23, I’m appreciating this day and relishing in it.

“Joyful abandon” is the best way to describe my walk today. I felt so fortunate to be outside in the afternoon because I’d expected to be at faculty meeting at St. Scholastica until 5 p.m. and then off to my centering prayer group at 6 p.m. During the faculty meeting, I found myself looking out the window with longing, knowing I wouldn’t have any time for a walk outside. The faculty meeting got done early, however, so I had time to walk with great happiness on the gravel path by my house. My knowing certainly isn’t God’s knowing…Help me to remember that! God even added a surprise to my walk…A friend I haven’t seen in years was also walking on the path with her new four-month-old puppy, Amelia. We stood in the sunshine on this glorious spring afternoon and enjoyed the pleasure of being together with rambunctious Amelia. It was a sweet moment of grace, unexpected and real.

Teresa writes, “As you embark on the spiritual path, try to remember to walk with joyful abandon.” What wonderful advice from Teresa! Let’s join her in walking with joyful abandon, today and every day, and may the Holy One bring us many unexpected pleasures along the way.