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IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION
The landscape of decision is a valley, says the prophet Joel (see Joel 4:14). We may prefer to make decisions on a mountaintop, with a commanding superior vision of the lay of the land. Or at least on a level plain that offers a clear view of the horizon ahead. But no, Joel insists in the last chapter of his short and dramatic prophecy: the day of the Lord finds us in a bottomed-out bowl of space where we can't see much further than what's right in front of us. It's the last place we want to be—especially when the decision is important and the consequences serious.
Sacred Heart Sister Kathleen Hughes reminds us that the exterior landscape of discernment is less vital than our internal disposition. We may like to make the big choices while on retreat, in church, at the ocean, or in the company of a spiritual director or wise friend. But the best environment for choosing is interior silence. Turning down the volume on the mental and emotional chatter is key. Dialing back anxiety, fear, uncertainty and all the what-ifs prepares us to be present to the Holy Spirit's promptings.
Joel's Valley of Decision was more a time than a place, anyway: the hour when human actions harvest the justice and judgment of God. That time is the Kingdom hour, by gospel reckoning. We step into this Valley daily: wherever we are, whichever road we're on, and whatever the stakes may be.
—Alice Camille,
reprinted with permission from TrueQuest Communications
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