The Excellence of Soul in Submission to Divine Will

 

The Excellence of Soul in Submission to Divine Will

As I journey through life as a homeschooling mother of five, I’ve come to realize that the degree of excellence in our souls is deeply connected to our fidelity to God’s will. It’s not merely about fulfilling our duties but about how closely our actions align with the divine order established by God. This realization has transformed my approach to daily tasks and responsibilities.

Divine Value in Daily Duties

The duties we carry out in our everyday lives, no matter how mundane they seem, gain a supernatural and divine value when done in submission to God’s will. Whether it’s teaching my children, managing the household, or attending to the countless tasks that fill my day, I’ve learned to see these duties as sacred because they are ordained by God. It’s not just about doing these tasks but doing them with a heart that seeks to align with His will.

I recall a time when I struggled with this concept. My days were filled with endless chores, homeschooling lessons, and the constant demands of raising a large family. I often felt overwhelmed and questioned whether my efforts were truly meaningful. However, as I started to view my duties through the lens of divine will, everything changed. Each task, no matter how small, became an opportunity to serve God and grow in holiness.

The Perfection of Souls

The perfection of our souls is not determined by the grandness of our actions but by our submission to God’s will. It’s about fulfilling our duties with love and faithfulness, knowing that these duties are what God has chosen for us. For me, this meant embracing the everyday challenges of homeschooling, budgeting, and caring for my family, and doing so with a heart surrendered to God.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is that our duties are the clearest manifestation of God’s will. These duties are not just tasks to be completed but are divine appointments that hold the power to sanctify us. It’s in the faithful fulfillment of these duties that we find true peace and contentment.

Avoiding the Pitfall of Self-Will

It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-will, where we seek to fulfill our own desires rather than submitting to God’s plan. This can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction, as we attempt to find fulfillment in things that are not aligned with His will. I’ve experienced this firsthand when I tried to push my own plans and ideas, only to find myself more stressed and unfulfilled.

However, when we abandon ourselves to God’s will and embrace the duties He has given us, we find true peace. It’s not about seeking holiness in the things themselves but in the love and obedience with which we approach them. This was a profound shift in my perspective, helping me to find joy and purpose in the simplicity of everyday life.

The Path to Holiness

God calls each of us to a unique path of holiness, one that is perfectly suited to our state in life. For me, this path is found in the daily responsibilities of being a wife, mother, and educator. It’s not about comparing my life to others or striving for perfection in the eyes of the world. Instead, it’s about faithfully following the path God has laid out for me, with trust and surrender.

Perfection, as de Caussade explains, is found in our submission to God’s will, whether it involves exterior duties or interior dispositions. It’s about loving and conforming to His plan with all our heart. This understanding has brought me immense peace, knowing that I am on the path that God has chosen for me, and that is enough.

In conclusion, the journey to holiness is not about grand gestures or extraordinary feats but about the quiet, faithful submission to God’s will in our daily lives. It’s about embracing our duties with love, knowing that they are the means by which God sanctifies us. As I continue on this journey, I am reminded that true excellence is found not in the magnitude of our actions but in the depth of our submission to God’s divine order.