It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants.

The question is: what are we busy about?

Henry David Thoreau

It's been a week. One week ago today I was about to head to the church... setting things out... listening to the choir rehearse... practicing the profession of vows... talking to the priests...

In many ways, last weekend seems like it was a month ago. And in other ways, the emotions are still strong enough to make it seem like yesterday.

Prior to professing vows, as you may recall, I went on an 8-day silent retreat. Immediately after the retreat our sisters had our assembly. Then my family and friends were here until earlier this week. Since then, it seems I've been "making up for lost time"...

I've been catching up with friends and working. Working? Yes...

Each summer since 2001, except for last summer, I've been working with a program called Marianist LIFE. It's a national program for small groups of high school students. I like to call it an immersion into the Marianist charism. The students build community, learn leadership skills, get in touch with their relationships with God and others, and learn about the Marianist charism so that they can take what they've learned and build Marianist community in their school or parish. Feel free to check out the website at: http://www.marianist.com/ministries.php?pid=47

This summer, I have the humbling blessing of serving as the regional coordinator for the program that happens in Texas. There are 3 sites - northern California, Dayton OH, and Central Texas. This is my first summer to serve in this capacity.

Throughout my second year of novitiate I did bits and pieces of work for LIFE - a meeting here, a conference call there, a few typed resources. However, during the first 3 weeks of June I did absolutely nothing for LIFE. I think that's how it should be, right? Preparing for vows takes priority, obviously.

However, since vows and since my family has gone, I'm am certainly making up for the 3 weeks... But... in the 3 weeks, time was not "lost."

That brings me to the above quote. Today I am reflecting on the busyness of this week.

What am I busy about? Reconnecting with friends and tying up loose ends for a program that starts in less than a month. Both good things, yes? I believe so. I'm realizing that I would not have the energy for any of it, though, if were not for the 3 weeks of not doing it at all.

When I first started novitiate I prayed with a mantra based on a story from the Old Testament. The mantra was, "Drink deeply from the wellspring of prayer, else the journey will be too long." How true, how true! The energy, zeal, passion for ministry can only come from a life deeply rooted in prayer and reflection. Otherwise... I may as well be an ant...

Many blessings to all who read this!
Sr. N
(by the way, I will post more pictures from last weekend soon...)