A
New Cadence
Jeffrey Wilson
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The
transition to community life has not been as difficult as I first
thought it would be. Prior to my candidacy with the Franciscan Friars
Third Order Regular, I lived by myself for several years and I was use
to doing what I wanted, when I wanted. I did not have to answer to
anybody but myself. At first, I was worried that adapting to living with
others would take a long time. But I have found that living in community
with the friars is not much different than my prior life. The main
difference is the �cadence� of my life.
Before moving in with
the friars, the cadence of my life was very self centered. The majority
of my day was spent at work so that I could house, feed, and clothe
myself. The time outside of work was dedicated to my entertainment. My
daily and weekly chores were performed for my benefit. Most of my
decisions in life had been based on what would be best for me or what
would make me happy.
After moving in with the
friars, I find that I am doing many of the same activities that I did
before. The main difference is that the cadence of my life is now God
and community centered. Currently, my day is planned around our communal
prayer life with the majority of the day dedicated to classes and study.
My studies are not just for my personal betterment alone. They also
prepare me to serve others better. Time is also set aside for ministry
work around our local neighborhood. I perform many of the same chores as
I did in my old apartment. However, now they benefit the other friars as
well as me.�
Jesus� instruction to
�love your neighbor as you love yourself� has also become for me; �do
for your brother friars and you do for yourself.� Likewise, the friars
do for me as they do for themselves. It is clear to me that the friars
have taken great care to welcome me into their home. And this is exactly
what the friary is, a home for the friar brothers to live and pray
together in. It is this loving and caring family of brotherhood in
Christ that has transformed the cadence of my life.
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