Time to hit the breaks...

I was wondering today how I got so busy. I know I’m getting out of balance when I can’t remember the last day off. (Monasteries are interesting places. We make our own time to rest and play. It’s a life, not a Monday through Friday enterprise!) So…that last day off? OK, I’ve got to peak at the calendar. I found it! April 6th. Dear God, no wonder I’m getting a bit goofy!

It’s not easy being me. I love work. I love teaching, writing, talking to people about our life. I love supporting the programs of our Benedictine Pastoral Center – that means giving a “First Friday” talk. I love our Oblates – that means time spent in Bedford and Richmond this past month. I love planning our community’s future as part of the Strategy Team and organizing our efforts in preparation for our Visitation in October. [It’s a voluntary Benedictine visitation – as opposed to the current Apostolic Visitation and happens every six years. It’s like when a school gets reaccredited by VAIS. We receive commendations and suggestions about how we live the monastic life.] In fact, I love everything that I am asked to do by and for community. That’s the problem. I want to do everything all the time. Well, last time I looked, that divine attribute belonged to the Creator!

It's settled then. On Friday morning I am going to sleep in and let the birds be my alarms clock. I’m going to eat breakfast on the back porch of the convent in Richmond in my pajamas. Then, I will sip coffee and do my spiritual reading. After prayer, I will have no plan, no “to do” list. I will have a day-off from the Internet. Yes, that’s right. No e-mail. No Facebook. No blogging. [Now, if Hell freezes over, don’t call me. Just trust I am partially responsible and pray me a good rest.] It’s only Tuesday, but I can feel it coming. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have my eyes on the prize! Now, all I have to do is make sure that I keep my Sabbath holy. Hmmm… Did I ask for prayers?

Blessings and love to you all…
- Sister Vicki