I’m so delighted to share another story at Ruah Storytellers! I had the pleasure of contributing to an Advent series in December. I totally enjoyed writing a piece about experiencing the Holy Spirit in Mass on trip to Cuba, and then, recording the story in my own voice.
This month Ruah Storytellers is hosting a flash fiction series, and I wrote a character profile, kind of a day in the life of woman. You can read (or HEAR) it here.
Check out the other stories, too. This is quickly becoming a favorite podcast for me…and check in soon for their Lent series.
My desk is a jumbled mess. I have stacks, and piles, and
groups of folders that probably belong in a filing cabinet but will never make
it to a file drawer. If I’m feeling generous, I’ll tack it onto my bulletin
board.
Despite this haphazard appearance, there’s a semblance of
organization. There’s order in the disorder.
I like it. I’m comfortable with it and any attempt to change
is not only short-lived but difficult.
Believe me, I’ve wanted to have labels and colored
file folders. Beautiful day planners remain unfilled. Bullet journals overwhelm
me. I’m sure there’s an app designed just for me, but I can’t keep up with
where I left my phone.
In short, I’m messy when it comes to my workflow even though
I get stuff done. I’ve noticed this has bled over into some of my spiritual
practices as well.
I used to have a constant discipline in my prayer life.
I got up early and read scripture and did a little
journaling. I had certain devotions that I prayed at certain times. There was a
time and place for everything, and everything had a place and time.
Now my spiritual life looks like my desk. I suppose
everything is still there, but the regimented system is gone. I still read, and
write, and pray but it seems a little more fluid these days.
Organized-me wants to correct this mess but there’s order in
that chaos, and in this season of my prayer life, I am embracing it.
Ora et Labora
I enjoyed an excellent season of Benedictine order – of
praying and working, Ora et Labora – no doubt due to living so close to the
Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. I learned the beauty of the Divine
Office.
These days, however, I am drawn to mental prayer inspired by
St. Teresa of Avila who advocated friendship with Jesus. I find myself talking
in prayer while I drive, do the dishes, fold clothes.
Staring at an empty screen when I should be writing.
Eucharistic Adoration.
Committing to a weekly Holy Hour has changed my prayer to a
conversation with the Lord. I am endeavoring to live in thanksgiving, which
often means small, but I hope, earnest declarations of praise and thanksgiving
as my day unfolds.
Perhaps I’ll return to the Divine Office or end up with a
combination, but for now, in this new season of prayer, I am finding great joy
in these aspirations that come to me as naturally as inhaling and exhaling.
