Give the Keys to God
Deacon Greg Kandra
Deacon Greg Kandra, whom I’ve mentioned before, gave a great interview to America Magazine. He talks about his blog, his life, his vocation, and his thoughts on the Church.
I was particularly struck by his advice for those discerning the diaconate:
When I began formation, after a very brief period of discernment, just a few weeks, I essentially said to God, “OK. Here’s the deal. You take the keys. You drive. We’ll go as far as you want. If you want me to get out, fine. If you want me to make it to the end and be ordained, that’s fine, too. But probably for the first time in my life, I’m trusting you with this major life decision. You are literally in the driver’s seat. Now, let’s go.” It seems to have worked out. If anyone is discerning a calling, my advice is simple: Give the keys to God and see where he wants to take you.
As I have been discerning my own calling, I’ve prayed that the Lord let me graciously accept if I am called and graciously accept if I am not.
Although I’m not really given to automobile metaphors, it sounds like it’s time to give Him the keys.
If you don’t mind the question, Thom: It has always seemed to me that you earnestly desire to discern and follow God’s will. How do you see “giving God the keys” taking you beyond your current state of commitment to devotion and discernment?
If I had to sum it up in bullet points, it might be something like this:
Stop overthinking.
Stop worrying.
Stop anticipating.