W.I.N.

Thomas Creen, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

It can be so hard to figure out what needs to be done in any particular waking moment. Early on in my vocation in Miles Jesu, another member told me that a good way to discern is using the acronym W.I.N., meaning “What’s Important Now?” The advice helped me immensely and still comes to mind frequently.

As a celibate with a vow of chastity in Miles Jesu, I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be for fathers of families to decide where to put their limited time and energy each day. Work is important. One’s spouse is important. God is important. The kids are important. Friends are important. Rest is important. Planning for the future is important. AHHHH!!!! So,What is Important Now?

As I sit here at the computer in the peace and quiet of the Miles Jesu men’s community in Phoenix on a Saturday night, I realize that my advice for fathers with families is rather theoretical. However, just recently in a conversation with an excellent teenage boy from a good Catholic family, I asked the boy if he wanted in the future to enter the same profession as his successful father. The young man responded, “No, I see my Dad. Or, more accurately, I don’t see my Dad. He has to work so much that he isn’t around often. I don’t want to be like that.”

So this conversation got me thinking about “W.I.N.” It would be so tough for a Dad to know what to do when. In ordinary circumstances, God, his wife, and work all need his attention. And the children need him, too, as much as anyone does, and sometimes more. The only solution I see is prayer to the Holy Spirit and trust in God to guide and provide.

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