As in, this must be my battle cry.
(But only for the next three weeks.)
For the next three weeks, I need to retreat—that is, to go on retreat; to go away; to sit still and listen and know that He is God.
(Name that verse.)
Not to worry—this is no big deal. This is just a blog, and it’s just a blog break. I am taking it because, having been given a hearty nudge at Mass yesterday morning, I think that I’d do well to finally listen.
(The Holy Spirit is quite persistent. He nudged me last week and I ignored Him.)
I also think this might have something everything to do with the fact that I’m renewing my Total Consecration to Mary. Today is the first day of a three-week consecration (not counting the 12 preliminary days) that culminates on the Feast of the Assumption, and I am relishing this quiet time of prayer.
(It’s the 20th anniversary of my first consecration this year! Yet I have only renewed it once since then. Bad little child of Mary!)
Therefore I would not—would certainly not mind the odd prayer or two if you could spare them. There are several areas in my life that need attention right now: my eating, yes, but also my classroom; my cupboards; and my call to holiness.
- Hint: I’m trying to jumpstart my new health regime by following the South Beach diet. I’m in the middle of Phase 1 right now and have lost six pounds! I will be writing about this after the break.
- Hint: I still haven’t laid the groundwork for our 2010-2011 school year, and this has become a source of stress and contention in my marriage. I can be so insecure when it comes to curriculum! This will require much prayer and great trust.
- Hint: My 15-month-old likes to play in the cupboards. They are a MESS and really need me. Save me, Lord, from the stress of spilled spices!
- Last Hint: See paragraph about renewing my consecration to Mary.
Please be patient with me as I try to sort all this out—and, for that matter, please be patient with yourself! I am looking forward to checking in with you mid-August.
“How pleasant and sweet it is to see brethren fervent and devout, well-mannered and well-disciplined! How sad and afflicting to see them disorderly, and not practicing the things they are called to do. How mischievous it is to neglect that purpose of their vocations, and to turn their minds to what is not their business. Be mindful of the purpose you have undertaken, and place before you the image of the Crucified. Well may you be ashamed, when looking into the life of Jesus Christ, that as yet you have not studied more to conform yourself to Him, long as you been in the way of God.”
— from The Imitation of Christ, Book 1, Chap. 25
What a faithful, beautiful little child of Mary you are Margaret! When nudged, definitely listen and move in the direction of the nudge. May your days and weeks be blessed and your time of retreat help you in all of the areas where you need it most. I've added you on my prayer list on the fridge during your time of retreat.
Blessings, sweet lady!
I hope these three weeks are a source of great blessings and graces for you and for your family.
As for that pesky school stuff, I'm more organized this year than ever before, but still not organized enough. And school starts next week!
While I know we all will miss you (isn't it funny, to miss someone we haven't met?), I am glad you are doing what you need to do; and will be eagerly anticipating your return in 3 weeks. 🙂
And praying. Yeah, that too. 😉
I pray that this will be a time of renewal for you.
At your request, you are now added to my daily prayer list, especially during this retreat.
The computer ate my last comment, so this one is shorter!
I'm right behind you on a blog break and am nowhere near ready for school. Have a wonderful retreat/prayer time and I look forward to seeing you in August.
Peace, Margaret!
Have a wonderful break, Margaret. I haven't done a thing for school yet, so you're making me feel better.
Hey, on your break, if you haven't seen it yet, watch St. Giuseppe Moscati. Fabulously inspiring film, great for renewing one's focus on holiness!
I, too, need to get going with planning/organizing for the upcoming school year…
Have a blessed three weeks, dear lady. Yes, I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers during your retreat!
Sending you lots of prayers! And I believe the verse is Psalm 46:10. 🙂
I have kind of done the same thing. I decided to rework my blog and change things up. See what I really want to focus on. I figured I too needed to finally listen to what the Holy Spirit was telling me!!
I have always wanted to do a consecration to Mary, but I don't know how to go about it. So proud that you are renewing your vow! God bless!
Having just gone through the revamping of our homeschooling curriculum here at our house, I will definitely add you to my prayers as well… And looking forward to hearing how the Holy Spirit is guiding your curriculum choices this year!
I'm currently reading "Consoling the Heart of Jesus" which talks quite a bit about consecrating oneself to Mary as a way to grow in holiness and to provide true comfort to the heart of Jesus. Great book!
God bless!
Considering that I haven't blogged in…2 months and change, I'm not going to throw any stones.
(Planning a (Not So) Grand Comeback for August 1, but the break has been good for me.)
Also, I will pray for your Consecration. I've done it twice in the last year, and it is HARD. Maybe it's just me and my friends, but it seems like we always end up in 33 straight days of serious spiritual attack before emerging exhausted but triumphant on the other side. (We all consecrated on December 8 last year, two of the three of us reconsecrated on March 25. We apparently learned our lesson that time, because nobody suggested doing it again on August 15. We'll wait and catch our breath before November.)
happy retreating, dear soul…
run to your blessed mother and she will help you figure everything out!
love that quote from the imitation.
there is nothing quite like reading from there to make one realize we are all-in ways-bad little children of mary.
but our life. our sweetness and our hope. always helps us to get back on the right path.
and as for preparing for the coming year…i haven't even given it hardly a thought. except for reading a chapter in a charlotte mason book on enthusiasm. yes, i could use a little of that myself.
many, many blessings to you!
I am afraid I need to do this as well. I am thinking of taking most of August off. Have a lovely break!
School….AAAACCKKK!
I've only had a few weeks *off* from school and can't bring myself to think of it…putting fingers in ears and chanting "La, la la la — I can't hear you!"
I think you inspired me to quit reading anything on the internet until you return…
Have a blessed break!
Sincerely,
Donna L.
Clearly I miss your posts since I keep forgetting and visiting your blog! Enjoy your retreat! I would probably have a better prayer life if I would leave this computer off more…something to think about.
Hope the blog break is going well, Mags!
Just wanted you to know that I've been missing you! I hope that Our Lord is recharging your battery! Plus…I'm missing pictures of that sweet little boy of yours!
When you get back, I have an award for you on my blog!
Hope the retreat is going well. Looking forward to hearing about it, if you wish to share. School starts tomorrow here. 🙁
I got "tagged" earlier in the week, so if you feel like playing when you return, visit this post: http://crooked-lines.blogspot.com/2010/08/livin-on-prayer.html It's about your favorite Catholic prayers. You might know a thing or two about that. 😉