Less than a year after the 2nd Vatican Council ended, I joined a youthful Carmelite community in my home state of NY. Scripture, Carmelite studies and other reading, work of every kind and music-in-worship filled those early days. We soon had opportunities to visit other Carmels, and Sisters and Friars came to Saranac Lake. We embraced change with open hearts. I was still the youngest in community 25 years later. We all asked St. Teresa how our community’s future might unfold; it seemed like I might take another fork in the road. I waited. Then I asked to visit Reno Carmel, and I celebrated both my silver and golden jubilees here as one of them!
Jesus asked his disciples “Who do you say I am?” Pondering this question has long been a way for me to listen, to settle into God’s reassuring love, to find the Spirit in stillness or to awaken to surprising reversals.
I look forward to the years ahead with these amazing women and surrounded by all who worship with us.