Better than clarity

If clarity is power, trust is a superpower.

When I prayed for clarity in a difficult relationship, I got nothing. When I asked for trust, I received more clarity about the relationship, and my role in it, than I could have imagined.

I learned about this shift from a story about Mother Teresa, now Saint Teresa of Calcutta. When I share it, you'll understand why I've always found her intimidating.

The story goes that a young Jesuit priest was volunteering with Mother Teresa in (you guessed it) Calcutta. He asked Mother Teresa to pray for him.

"For what?" she asked.

"For clarity."

The diminutive nun shot back with a hard 'no.'

All-righty.

“I have never had clarity," she said. "I only have trust. I’ll pray that you have trust.”

The story I read didn't say how the young priest responded. But when Mother Teresa edits your prayer request, I'm guessing you don't ask questions.

Need clarity? Don't be afraid to ask for trust.