Magis

“One rare and exceptional deed is worth far more than a thousand commonplace ones.”

-Ignatius of Loyola

To me, the above quote captures the essence of the Ignatian way of life. He aspired to reach some higher place in his life, to find a higher purpose, so that his life would have meaning and actually leave a positive impact on the earth long after his death. Considering the fact that I am writing this blog for a class on his life and teachings nearly 500 years later, I would say he succeeded. 

I deeply relate to this concept of Magis, of the importance of believing that we can make something extraordinary of our lives, for ourselves yes, but more importantly for others. In my years of trying to discern what I should do with my life, I've always had this desire in me, although I did not know it by its proper name, to do something exceptional, even if it will mean taking longer to settle in to a career. This is not an egotistical thing; I don't care if the world remembers my name after I'm gone or not, I just want my work to have a positive and lasting affect after my time here, because we only have one chance here on this earth (as far as I know) and I think it's too bad to simply settle for a comfortable, convenient career in the little town where your from, and never really think about other people and bad things that are happening in foreign lands (because it's not our problem right?)

 I love how Ignatius refused to accept mediocrity, and relentlessly searched for his extraordinary purpose in life, all the while being ridiculed and taken for a madman. While the people around him were doing the thousand commonplace deeds, he was performing the one special deed that he was able to offer the world. This is endlessly inspiring to me, to continue on the path that everyone else is too afraid to take, because you know that what you are doing actually has meaning. I hope that I can maintain the courage that Ignatius had throughout his life, and that I don't become another ex-idealistic, jaded adult, unsatisfied with my mediocre contribution to the world; I would consider that one of the most significant ways to fail in life, and a serious fear of mine. But for now I keep a fairly good attitude looking to the future. I'll try my best to embrace the uncertainty of life with open arms, and keep Ignatius words with me wherever I end up, and whatever I will be doing there.