Time is the most undefinable yet paradoxical of things;

the past is gone, the future is not come,

and the present becomes the past even while we attempt to define it,

and, like the flash of lightning, at once exists and expires.

~Charles Caleb Colton

It's March! Can you believe it? Anyone know what happened to February?? Strange isn't it? I haven't been more busy lately than I was in January... or so I thought. And yet, I blinked an a whole 29 days were gone! Life is so bizarre sometimes.

The last time I wrote I was reflecting on the writing of a letter requesting vows. Now, the letter has been sent (along with a lengthy self-evaluation... lengthy because I know not how to be brief when I write). The next step in the process is for the Sisters with whom I've lived to also complete a short evaluation which our leadership team will use, in conjunction with mine, to grant approval (if that be the case). I should know at some point in the first week of April. 

And again... I can't believe that's only 1 month away. Shortly thereafter, if approval is granted, I will return to San Antonio for vow preparation - 2 months in length.

During my first year of novitiate I kept a journal on what I was learning about the vows. Some of you may recall reading some of what I wrote about the vows during that time. I'm looking forward to revisiting that journal when I return to San Antonio. I know that it will provide much "food for prayer."

Currently, as you might remember, I am focusing on trust in God. Lent... waiting for approval for vows... enduring the cold winter months... all are PERFECT reasons to have reminders of God's faithfulness. Last night we had a supper/prayer/faith-sharing gathering with women connected with the Univ. of Dayton. We do this once a month and typically we have mostly students who come over seeking some quiet time for prayer and reflection as well as a place to share their struggles in faith. Last night, Sr. Leanne, focused on leaning on God and being sheltered under God's wings. At one point, before each of us had a chance for quiet reflection, she asked us to draw a slip of paper from a vase. Each slip had a different sentence for prayerful thought. What did I take out??

Isaiah 43:1-2 ~

Fear not, for I have redeemed you.

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the water, I will be with you.

In the rivers you shall not drown.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned;

the flames shall not consume you.

Crazy, isn't it?? It just fits right in with the rest of Lent. And what a comforting thought, "you are mine." Of course, now I have "On Eagle's Wings" stuck in my head - the song that has meaning I like, but a melody I can do without...

So, rest assured, I'm still here! It's just that February got away from me before I could post again. 

Prayers for your Lenten journey,

Sr. N