Sr. Karen Byerley, OSB

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    When I think of stability, I envision a sturdy structure built to withstand the winds of any storm. The structure is built on solid ground, not sand or shale or a wobbly surface.  It is made to last. We used the word stability in our kindergarten and first grade classes when we were working on STEAM projects. (STEAM refers to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). The task of building a structure with just a few pieces of paper and cardboard is their challenge. Some succeed and others continue trying.

   Stability today seems quite similar as we try to understand rootedness in our chaotic world. In the olden days, when I was a young sister, we received obedience slips informing us of our next mission spot. This necessitated our moving from one mission to another. How was that living a life of stability to OLGM if I wasn’t physically present? I discovered no matter where I resided, I was always connected to my sisters at Grace. The connection between us wasn’t defined by the place we lived and worked but by the fact that we did it for each other. Roots at OLG allowed me to work away, but in the name of my community. We were connected in our hearts. Our roots are in the same pot.

   In  Matt. 6:21 it says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It didn’t matter if I was living in Clarksville, Tell City or working in Louisville. I loved my people, but my heart was always rooted in the spirit of Our Lady of Grace. Now that we are venturing into a new arena with our building project, I gaze at these walls that have been a part of me since I was 13 years old. Yes, there is some pain, and my heart needs to surrender to the changes. My stability though is connected to person, not place. Connected in faith, I am living my vow of stability to the sisters at this monastery. For “Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be. All that you possess will never set you free. Seek the things that last; come and learn from me. Where your treasure is, your heart shall be” (Haugen).