Catching up
Posted on | February 6, 2007
by | Kim, Obl.O.S.B
Friends,
It has been a little while since I last posted. A lot of schoolwork is burying me, as usual. But also, there has been a lot of thinking and contemplating and being more observant about what has been going on in my life. I’ve come to the conclusion that pretty much since December there has been non-stop spiritual warfare going on. Every level that is my human existence is being tried and tested: physically my legs are getting stronger thanks to the physical therapy, but they still hurt. Mentally, I am exhausted from school and the various projects I have to do, as well as dealing with some drama. Emotionally, the drama is wearing me down, although drama handling strategies have been employed.
Through all this, I have managed to get back on board with my Oblation formation stuff, as well as get back to utilizing a daily devotional that I have. Still, things are lacking – I still am slowly working on incorporating some of the Divine Office into my days, as well as rearranging my day entirely so that I can get accomplished what needs to get accomplished (from physical therapy stretches to homework to work and God-time). I am slowly making my way through The Imitation of Christ and am finding it helpful and very beneficial. Some things though that I still would like to do is create a dwelling place in my soul, a monastic cell where I can retreat to when I need to or am called to. I think this will be beneficial to me, however; to establish and utilize such an interior cell will not be an easy task. But, if Our Lord wants me to accomplish it, He will assist me.
Tonight I begin a novena to my most helpful friends, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Joe of Cupertino. I have a hydrology exam next Thursday, and I definitely could use all the prayers and saintly intercession that I can get! However, I know that I am going to have to study my ears off – hydrology is not my strong suit and the homework is making no sense. Is there a patron saint of hydrology? I’m not too sure. This class is also the last class I need for my Bachelor’s degree (however, I won’t graduate until Spring 2008), so there is some pressure to make it through with a good grade and then rejoice in the fact that Our Lord carried me to completion of my Bachelor’s. I just need to keep on going, keep on plugging away, keep on praying. The same strategy that I have been clinging on to regarding this last 2 months. I am most definitely becoming closer to St. Michael the Archangel, which is never a bad thing.
Just like St. Bernadette, I reckon there will probably be a small chain reaction. St. Bernadette led me to Our Lady of Lourdes (aka the Immaculate Conception- she has been oh so involved in my life lately), who then led me to Christ. St. Michael the Archangel, while defending me from the evil one; can only led me closer to Our Lord.
Pax!!
Comments
2 Responses to “Catching up”
Associations
February 7th, 2007 @ 7:35 pm
Kim, we have so much in common. I, too, am drowning in schoolwork (we’ll both graduate next May), but struggling to stay close to God at the same time. Last semester was absolutely horrible school-wise, but I actually managed to grow in faith. I went on a silent retreat, I went to adoration every week, and I successfully worked the Liturgy of the Hours into my day. Then again, I wasn’t trying to plan a wedding at the same time.
Hang in there, Kim. Our Lord will not abandon you. Pax Christi.
February 8th, 2007 @ 2:09 pm
Yay for drowning in schoolwork!
I really need to work on making more time for God, more God-time. It’s just … ugh. My schedule is so messed up, I reckon that’s a lame excuse. I need to sit down sometime and find some extra time.
But, it can be done. Just gonna hurt in the process, I think. :-/