I spent a wonderful couple of days with my family this past week. They came into town Tuesday night and stayed until Saturday morning for Thanksgiving. It was the first time they were able to come see my new apartment, and my very first time hosting a major holiday function. My Mom and I cooked dinner together on Thursday, we went shopping on Black Friday, we lounged around, we cracked jokes, we played board games and watched football. It was the perfect way to spend a holiday.
In the spirit of giving thanks and appreciating the blessings in my life, here are a few things I am extra thankful for:
1- My family. I don't get to see them as often as I'd like since I live in another state, but I appreciate every second we do spend together. My mom has been a constant support my whole life. My brother and sister are growing into wonderful young adults and I'm so proud of them. My dad, my step dad and my grandparents are special to me and I'm happy to have their love and support in my life.
2- My best friend. She keeps me in check and provides great support. We fight, we get on each other's nerves, but we care about each other no matter what. It's one of the greatest blessings in my life to have someone I can share so much with.
3- Friends, old and new. I'm thankful for the friends I've had since 5th grade, the ones I've made recently and everyone in between. The friends I have had over the years tell a story about my life. I'm happy to have good people in my life who I can have a good time with.
4- The sisters. I'm reminded every week of the great love and support within the walls of the Mount. I walk in on Sunday and it just surrounds me. I never get tired of the hugs and the kind words from everyone. Certain sisters are always checking in on Alyssa and I to see how we're doing and to give their blessings for the week ahead. I'm still amazed by how much the sisters and the monastery mean to me.
5- My job. I'm thankful everyday that I work at such a great place with such great people. I enjoy going to work everyday and I love the kiddos I work with. I'm learning new things in a field that I never thought I'd find myself working in, but it's all great experience for the journey ahead.
6- New beginnings at work. I spent the last couple of months working with the young toddlers and found it to be more challenging than I expected. Terrible Twos are not a joke! I would never say that I disliked working with that age group, but it definitely was not within my comfort zone. I'm happy to be returning back to preschool tomorrow in my favorite classroom.
7- My dog, Daisy. Anyone who knows me knows that my dog is my pride and joy. I'm thankful for a happy pup waiting for me at home everyday. She's always excited to see me and cheers me up no matter what kind of day I've had. There's nothing in this world quite like the unconditional love of a dog.
8- My apartment. It has taken a long time, and it's still getting there in some ways, but my apartment is a special place for me. I'm proud knowing Alyssa and I pay for this place every month and that it's ours to call our own. We decorate, we cook, we clean, we share this space with friends and family. I love coming home to a place I can call my own.
These are just a few things I am most thankful for. I've been trying to journal everyday about something I'm thankful for, and most of that will stay in the journal. It's a practice I'd like to keep up. It's hard to have a bad day when you focus on the good and capture it in writing. I want to give thanks everyday for God's blessings.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Prayer.
Every morning I wake up around 6:45. I change out of my pajamas, put on my sneakers and leash up my dog. I walk for at least 15 minutes, sometimes almost a half hour if I have the time. I walk the quiet streets around my neighborhood and I pray. When I get back from my walk, I grab some breakfast and try to journal for a bit (this one doesn't come as easily everyday, but I'm working on it!)
I get home from work around 4:50, and since the sun is gone earlier and earlier everyday, the first thing I do when I walk in the door is leash up Daisy and head out. I'll walk her as long as I can, it depends on how much light we have, and how loudly my stomach is growling for dinner. It's a nice way to unwind after a hectic day at work.
Living at the Mount, I prayed with the community twice a day, everyday. Prayer was first thing in the morning, and first thing in the evening (or right after dinner, depending on the day of the week.) I've mentioned before that my prayer life has been falling a little flat since moving out of the monastery. But it seems to be taking on a new life.
One thing I learned in my time at the Mount is that prayer can take on any form. It is not confined to a specific place, it is not something than can be practiced only at a certain time, it is not something that God will hear only if you follow this rule or that rule. Prayer happens anytime you open your heart to God.
One major bonus of having prayer time while I walk the dog is that there is no way to skip it. Trust me, Daisy will not let me hit the snooze button. She's in my face, ready to explore a new day as soon as her eyes open. I can't help but be excited for a new day too.
"We must know that God regards our purity of heart...not our many words. Prayer should therefore be short and pure, unless perhaps it is prolonged under the inspiration of divine grace."- The Rule of Benedict, Chapter 20: Reverence in Prayer
I get home from work around 4:50, and since the sun is gone earlier and earlier everyday, the first thing I do when I walk in the door is leash up Daisy and head out. I'll walk her as long as I can, it depends on how much light we have, and how loudly my stomach is growling for dinner. It's a nice way to unwind after a hectic day at work.
Living at the Mount, I prayed with the community twice a day, everyday. Prayer was first thing in the morning, and first thing in the evening (or right after dinner, depending on the day of the week.) I've mentioned before that my prayer life has been falling a little flat since moving out of the monastery. But it seems to be taking on a new life.
One thing I learned in my time at the Mount is that prayer can take on any form. It is not confined to a specific place, it is not something than can be practiced only at a certain time, it is not something that God will hear only if you follow this rule or that rule. Prayer happens anytime you open your heart to God.
One major bonus of having prayer time while I walk the dog is that there is no way to skip it. Trust me, Daisy will not let me hit the snooze button. She's in my face, ready to explore a new day as soon as her eyes open. I can't help but be excited for a new day too.
"We must know that God regards our purity of heart...not our many words. Prayer should therefore be short and pure, unless perhaps it is prolonged under the inspiration of divine grace."- The Rule of Benedict, Chapter 20: Reverence in Prayer
Monday, November 5, 2012
Where Have I Been?
I wish I had a good story for why I haven't posted in 3 weeks, like that I was on a wild adventure out at sea or something (don't ask, that's the first thing that came to my mind!)
Last weekend I was welcomed as an initiate into the Oblate Way of Life. 21 of us were welcomed as new Oblates, with a total of 280 of us making a commitment to the Erie Benedictines. I'm so excited to have this new relationship with the Sisters and to further deepen my relationship with God and my understanding of the Rule of Benedict.
Not much else has been going on lately. Work is exciting and crazy as ever. Our migrant season is winding down which means we'll be saying good-bye to many of the kids and rearranging some classrooms very soon.
I feel like my life is boring and that I don't have much to write about lately. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly I want to do with this blog, because just reporting on day-to-day life isn't quite so exciting lately. Soooo, I'm still working on it :)
Last weekend I was welcomed as an initiate into the Oblate Way of Life. 21 of us were welcomed as new Oblates, with a total of 280 of us making a commitment to the Erie Benedictines. I'm so excited to have this new relationship with the Sisters and to further deepen my relationship with God and my understanding of the Rule of Benedict.
Not much else has been going on lately. Work is exciting and crazy as ever. Our migrant season is winding down which means we'll be saying good-bye to many of the kids and rearranging some classrooms very soon.
I feel like my life is boring and that I don't have much to write about lately. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly I want to do with this blog, because just reporting on day-to-day life isn't quite so exciting lately. Soooo, I'm still working on it :)
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