Friday, August 15, 2008

Go placidly amid the noise and haste 
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

The Desiderata was the first poem I memorized my freshmen year at Monsignor Kelly High School. A copy was given to each person in my 8th grade class by our Language Arts teacher, Ms. Perry, as a graduation gift. There have been MANY times in life that I have reflected on this poem. However, never as much as in the past 2 weeks or so...

So, here I am in Dayton transitioning into a new job and a new way of being as a professed sister. Because of the craziness of my summer, I jumped into the new job having to "hit the ground running." No time for slow starts.

However, in the midst of all the meetings, orientation sessions, and unpacking/setting up an office, our campus ministry staff went on retreat for a day and a half. The theme of the retreat? Sabbath - the importance of Sabbath in our lives and how to take "Sabbath time" in the midst of busyness. (Sabbath as defined as special time with God... relaxing from the frantic pace of work... taking time away... etc.)

Can we say "perfect"?!

That day and a half of reflection was just what I needed. It tapped back into my first year of novitiate... It was during that time that my mantra was "Drink deeply from the well-spring of prayer, else the journey will be too long." 

The retreat also connected me back to the 8-day silent retreat I was blessed enough to have this summer before the busyness of the past 2 months set in (vows... home visit... Marianist LIFE... moving to Dayton... starting a new job...).... The theme of the 8-day retreat was also Sabbath.

Coincidence? I think not. I think it was providential, really.

While I was at our campus ministry retreat I made a list of "Sabbath activities"... things that I do that help me maintain balance and that are pretty close to non-negotiable. They are:
  • My morning routine: coffee, breakfast with the morning paper (or the archdiocesan paper), 20-30 minutes of quiet prayer... all before the rest of the house is awake
  • Reading (spiritual and otherwise)
  • Exercise 
  • Time spent on "key" relationships
  • Yearly retreat
  • Time to sing... (alone, typically) 
These are just a few things that help me tap into the "still, small voice of God." 

Let's pray that I can keep these in mind as the semester gets underway. I'm really looking forward to a great first semester at UD. And as long as I can "drink deeply from the well-spring of prayer" then I should have an open heart for the Spirit to work in & through me.

Many blessings to all who read this!
Sr. N

5 comments:

Kelly_SSJ said...

I am glad to see you are well. Desiderata is one of my favorites. My pastor gave it to me to read ....sure has a lot to say! Thank you for the continuation of the reminder of how important it is to drink deeply. As one of my co-workers told me on a bad day....its serving with a full cup.

Unknown said...

Hi Sister!

First time reader of your blog.

The quote you started out with in today's entry reminded me of how I had it printed up on a paper and pinned to my cubicle's wall board to re-center myself during hectic work days.

I'm looking forward to reading your future posts.

Kazimer - "Kaz"

Yosra said...

Asalamalaykom Sister,

Your entry brought to mind the Biblical story of Mary and Martha.

http://www.jesuswalk.com/lessons/10_38-42.htm

For us, as followers, we need to remember there is a time to be busy and a time to sit still. Of course, we cannot sit at the actual feet of Jesus, peace be upon him. We can however, be silent and reflective on God's messages for us. Honoring the sabbath is finding our time to be Mary and to win favor for listening.

As you start into such a busy time, remember what the flight attendants instruct us: get your own oxygen first before helping others.

May God reward you for all your efforts.

Julia said...

Oh what a lovely schedule, Nicole! How I dream of that one day! :) I hope all is well, and I am praying for you as you prepare for everything ahead!

Lisa said...

It sounds like your life as a professed Sister is off to a running start and a good start! Your reflection resonates with insights I have tapped into this past week as I had the opportunity to be present for some key congregational events (first profession, jubilees). In my prayer these days at the Motherhouse I have been in touch with the need and importance of creating Sabbath moments each and every day.