Like a nun or monk in a monastery, I have the intention of spending a good deal of time in my "choir stall...." returning throughout the day to that inner place of prayer.
But intentions are wispy things. They drift by and are soon forgotten, being nothing more than daydreams until they're turned into actions. I've found that I make the transfer from intention to action best by baby-stepping. So here's my plan. I am going to try to work on one of the "times Sister goes to the choir stall" at a time, striving to incorporate that into my day before I work more intensely on other choir-stall-appointments.
I had intended to begin with Lectio Divina, writing about what it means (to me) to give a block of time each day to God. Yet I realize that not only I - but you - are in a season of ever increasing busyness and blessed interruptions, so I've decided to save that until after Christmas (consider this an announcement of "coming attractions!"). I will begin instead with the first light of morning, and do some personal baby-stepping toward remembering to pray as soon as I open my eyes each day. I'm sorry to say that my lagging, sleepy mind needs reminders. Often these are bits of paper taped to mirror or alarm clock calling me to PRAY!!! These are my monastery bells, ringing out the news that I have the privilege of beginning another day with praise.
Between whatever "baby step reports" or insights there may be in the days just ahead, I look forward also to doing some Advent postings of photos I've set aside for this time of year. I hope you'll have time during this busy season to continue looking in, for I will be here!
God willing, I'll see you tomorrow. May God grace us to begin the day in praise.
Text not in quotes
(photo of light through trees by Linda M)