Burning it at Both Ends

+JMJ+

Sometimes I wonder--how did Mary handle things? Today the Church gives us some food for thought with the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary--and really, the Rosary is like the Gate-Way drug for learning meditation (pardon my crass analogy).

It has not been my plan, but over the past 2 weeks I've found myself in three different settings talking about something I never thought I'd be so passionate about--prayer. I already shared about my adventures in Cincinnati, where the focus of my talk really was prayer. On Sunday I spoke at a parish for Respect Life Sunday, and the talk morphed into a rallying cry to make prayer the center of life and any effort to build a Civilization of Love. Today, 1st-8th graders at a local Catholic grammar/middle school heard a little bit about respecting life...and prayer.

It isn't like I'm planning this out, but I am incapable of saying anything substantive to a Catholic audience without talking about prayer! I remember the days when praying was a challenge...and I am still living in those days. But, I can't get away from it. My day is not complete without prayer. I've allowed it to mark the hours so intentionally, that if I miss prayer, I know I am missing something vital.

Every year Autumn is an insane season. With back to school comes back to everything, and when you work full-time for the Church, this means full-time and then some! I remember these seasons in the past, and how hectic and MISERABLE they could be at times. The curious thing about this year is that I am as busy as ever (haven't really had a day off in over 2 weeks), and yet, I am content.

I am not complaining like I usually do...not being grouchy. Sure, I am a little tired and I've forgotten some stuff here and there, but I find myself at peace. I have this sense of how privileged I am to do the things I do, and am more aware of the blessings that even exist amidst the struggles.

Now, I'm not saying I am perfect or that life is void of pain and challenge, but what I AM saying is that the more I pray, the better I am able to take everything in stride. The more I pray, the more balanced I am...and the more willing I am to sacrifice little things to keep the day simple and take care of myself in the midst of busyness.

On this feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, may we take the invitation to prayer--which is an intimate conversation with God--seriously. We have everything at our disposal to learn how to pray...and how to pray well. All that is required of us is a choice, a commitment to prayer. Are you ready to make that commitment?