Help
With Your Rule
Negativity re Rule
Dear Holly,
I am involved in a mom's bible study and your book is what we are doing. I am really enjoying it and think it is wonderful to have a "support group". We have just started and are doing Chapter 3 right now 1st P - prayer. I have answered the questions at the end of the Chapter and started my prayer times. I will say this: when I answered some of the questions, as I look back at my answers, I see some negativity in my answers. Like setting up a prayer spot. My answer was no. There is nowhere I can go in my house that would not be a distraction, and then I find it hard to create a place because I have a 2yr. old who gets into everything. I know attitude is everything but will the negative answers change as I get into my rule?
Labels: 2nd P Person, About a Rule of Life
posted by Holly at 6:20 PM
2 Comments:
A couple of things come to mind here immediately:
First off, if you are noticing some negativity when you answered your questions, then I suggest that God is giving you the grace right NOW to see what is happening. I think He wants you to re-assess your questions completely, honestly and positively - and that the time is now. It has been my experience that when we notice something in ourselves like this, that it is God permitting it, for the purpose of our doing something about it.
Secondly, I think too that the 'immediate reaction' to something like not having a prayer spot is just that - an immediate reaction - an emotional one too. I think that the questions in MROL call for a serious intellectual pondering - a real depth of thinking - or else they will bear no fruit.
I believe that you CAN find a prayer spot in your home - even if it's in an armchair placed beside your bed with a bible, a rosary and a little statue. I don't believe a two-year-old is really a reason to not have a spot to pray. You may not be able to re-create St Peter's Basilica in your home, but you can make a cozy spot for yourself - where you and God can meet every day - a few times a day.
You can do it! Go back - re-think your questions. See what God has in mind for you.
When I read Holly's book I had the same response to the prayer spot. I didn't really see either a need or a place for it. Then, I talked to my priest and lo, he told me the same thing. I thank God for not giving up on me.
Anyway, I have set up a spot and I find that just sitting there helps me feel peace and focus. Also, I read a biography of Susanna Wesley and I remember that she would pull her apron over her head and her numerous children knew not to disturb her. So, if Susanna Wesley could find a prayer place under her apron I determined that I could find a place and train my children not to interrupt me when I was there.
Is it always peace and tranquility? No. But I persevere and offer it up to the Lord and ask him to make it worthy.
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