Well we're done painting and I just realized that I hadn't actually published my last few posts. They will show up as back dated, so I apologize for any confusion. Incidentally, our house looks wonderful. Now my blogging can resume. Here are some various thoughts and inspirations that have given me a lift recently. I have been reflecting on the power of prayer in my life recently, for a variety of reasons, and came across this very poignant quote: "You tell me you do not have the time to give two or three hours to prayer; who asks you to do so? No one can be excused from ejaculations because it can be made while coming and going about ones business. Recommend yourself to God the first thing in the morning, protest that you do not wish to offend Him, and then go about your affairs, resolved, nevertheless, to raise your spirit to God, even amidst company." -- St. Francis DeSales I used to fall into this category of thinking, believing that prayer was a segment of my life, quarantined to the moments of lucidity before slipping into deep sleep late at night. Personally, this type of praying wasn't very fulfilling, and while I am quite certain it was Christ's way of keeping the door to my heart open, it wasn't exactly what I would call a memorable experience. Then one day last fall I read an excerpt from the Sunday Bulletin at the local church I was attending while away on business, where the author explored this notion that St. Francis is getting at above. On that day, prayer finally became an integral part of my life. Think about it for a moment. When was the last time that you were walking down the street, sitting in front of the computer, eating lunch, driving to work, or doing some other part of your everyday life, and you consciously took the time to talk to God? To ask for His mercy or forgiveness on your soul or to pray for it on behalf of others? To petition Mary to intercede to the Father on your behalf or for those that you pray? It's a truly powerful concept, one that is indeed life changing. I believe without doubt that when and if you come to this realization, prayer will cease to be a part of your life, and instead become the driving force in your life. On another interesting and uplifting note. I went to confession today, and I shook the hand of Christ. No I'm not delusional either. The only Christ we know and meet each day is Christ manifested in those around us, and today he was the priest in the confessional. It was by far the most wonderful penitential experience I've had in a long time - perhaps ever. Far from the "drive-thru" confessional that I've run into all too often over the past year that have left me spiritually disappointed, my experience today was both one of reconciliation and much needed spiritual mentoring. Funny too how these things happen, as it wasn't even in a confessional but rather in the Sacristy. You see, the church I attend on base where I work has the "confessional" combined with another room - and today that room was occupied. But that's another story, and I digress. At one point the priest, a charismatic teacher and wise man that will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination this year, read to me the following passage from the First Book of John: Confidence before God. [Now] this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. Beloved, if [our] hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God and receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. --1 John 3, 19-22 of the New American Bible The point here being, that in our own times of personal trial and sin we need to trust Christ to help us - at that very moment - for when we allow the frustration of sin to bring us down, we have chosen to not place our trust and confidence in God - where it best belongs. This passage certainly was not part of my penance, but more of an uplifting word of reassurance and spiritual guidance to reflect upon in times of heartache and trouble. It is powerful, and thus worth sharing, and I am eternally grateful.

posted by Michael Lee on 5/28/2003 10:30:00 PM | link |

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Took the last week or so off from blogging. My wife and I were getting ready to paint, and then painting, the inside of our house. Will be back on track later this week.

posted by Michael Lee on 5/28/2003 09:55:00 AM | link |

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