Doing the Next Right thing

Doing the next right thing in life is often challenging and difficult, but necessary for a healthy and serene life. Sometimes we avoid or put off those things that make us most uncomfortable, but find when we do them we are so much better off spiritually.

Procrastination and avoidance are spiritually detrimental. They take such a toll on our mental and emotional well-being, as well as our spiritual psyche. Yet still we often struggle to do the next right thing regardless of the knowledge that it will make us feel better.

Many times we suffer in silence as we ponder doing the next right thing. The desert fathers of the ancient Church had a wonderful way to approach this dilemma. “If the bad news is that the way is (often) painful, the good news is that we are not to travel this way alone. The desert elders are convinced that we cannot address our passions, we cannot know our heart, without the presence of at least one other person. We require a counselor, an advisor, a guide. We need someone to consult, someone with whom to share. We are supposed to reveal our inner thoughts, share our every thought – including, and perhaps highlighting the darker side – honestly and verbally.”

There is a remarkable healing aspect, as well as a way forward when we are able to share our worries, fears and trepidation with another person. By sharing we find ourselves no longer alone. Sharing our journey and fear of what lies ahead gives us an inner strength that we can rely on to do the next right thing.

The Apostle Paul was the great missionary of the Church. He bravely and obediently followed the will of God into unknown lands and people. He preached the Gospel with authority and power, yet he was rarely alone. Paul always had friends and co-workers for Christ who he confided. Together they were able to take on the next right thing and see their mission through regardless of the daunting task that lay before them.

We are NOT called to live lives of suffering in solitude. We are called to a community of faith and support in which we rely on the counsel of those whose wisdom and experience are beneficial to our journey.

Whatever the next right thing we may be facing, I encourage us to seek out the advice of someone we trust and who has wisdom. Approaching the next task will be made much easier no matter what difficulty we face.