Proceed as the Way Opens

Reading a new-to-me book, Writing the Sacred Journey*, I was surprised by the use of the Quaker phrase “proceed as the way opens.” In the context, it describes an attitude toward writing which respects the ambiguity of the process by allowing the emerging of the words to define the direction and content of what is being written.

Of course, the Quakers are describing an attitude toward the journey of life that doesn’t expect all of the steps to be clear from the beginning, and that expects God will keep showing where to go a bit at a time. The process of discerning where to go is not settled, but must continually be engaged, requiring an ongoing sensitivity to God and listening to one’s life.

This is not to say that this is the only Quaker approach to life and decisions. In fact, the Quakers developed a very different approach in the “clearness committees” to assist individuals to explore what they believe might be a call from God for action. In the clearness process a group of people listens to the individual and asks questions, so that the possible blind spots or unconsidered aspect of the decision can be more deeply explored. It takes advantage of the wisdom of a variety of perspectives to improve the discernment.

They are not mutually exclusive, and both forms could and would be used by the same person or persons at different times. But, it strikes me how regularly I have seen the model of the clearness committee described, adapted and used in both church and society. Yet only this day have I discovered its sibling decision making process of “proceeding as the way opens.”

What does it say about us as people and our society that we expect the clarity to be obtained through a clearness committee and we avoid the ambiguity and insecurity implied by proceeding as the way opens?

I know I want clarity even though my life is mostly lived in watching and wondering what will open up. Openness in this sense is living in the moment, acting in response to ordinary everyday experience. I must pay attention to the world, people, and to God around me.

Just this morning Glenda, who is a priest in Panama, called to me as I walked through the Metro station. If I had not heard her call my name, which I can easily do when I am focused on my clear agenda of getting to my train, I would not have had the pleasure of our short hug and sharing of greetings. God opened a way for us to reconnect.

I am learning to appreciate and trust God will be with me as I proceed as the way opens, even if I am still learning. I certainly have used it as I have written this!

*Writing the Sacred Journey: The Art and Practice of Spiritual Memoir by Elizabeth J. Andrew p. 17