Monday, February 11, 2008

a breath

I had the privilege his weekend of attending a vestry retreat in Atchison, Kansas at Mount St. Scholastica.  The Benedictine Sisters who reside there embraced us immediately.  My days normally revolve around kids and the house and church and laundry and dishes and ballet and friends and family and CHAOS!  I thrive on the energy of my life, but the pause I was given over the past few days was a precious gift.  In this season of lent it is right and good to pause our lives.  We attended morning prayer with the community.  They prayed for peace as they made our beds (something I never thought of, but have started doing for my children).   I know this is a hectic time of year, but try and pause... breathe.

14 comments:

Holly said...

That sounds so wonderful. I've had a yearning for a retreat like that ever since I read Kathleen Norris' books. Have you read them? If you went on and appreciated a Benedictine retreat, then you would probably appreciate her books, especially Amazing Grace and Dakota.

Isadora said...

Yes, this is a wonderful opportunity and I'm so glad for you. Easter is my favorite holiday and am keeping a keen eye on my spiritual preparation for the season as well.

The Mama said...

Wow, what a welcomed treat. I'm glad you had such a great experience and I look forward to hearing more about it soon.

Anonymous said...

What a great thing to do! I constantly am telling myself to slow down, notice, and appreciate. I can only imagine having a few days to do that. And I love your new habit of praying for peace while making beds, what a lovely thing. I think I'll take it up too.

Amanda Jean said...

sounds wonderful! I can relate to daily life being chaos. :)

Alice said...

A beautiful photo to illustrate your thoughtful post.

Dee Light said...

Oh, I love that. Pray for peace as you make your childrens bed!! Thanks for sharing such a small but meaningful thought. I'm going to share the idea with some of my friends!!

mommy to six J's said...

Glad you had a relaxing time. I liked the idea of praying for peace for my children.. Char

Chara Michele said...

i love that photo... it sounds like you had a relaxing time.

Anonymous said...

Good to hear that you had a fruitful (+ quality) time. I'm reminded to pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17)

Heidi said...

Cool. Love those OSBs.

jessica said...

looks delightful - and good for you for incorporating some of that peace into your daily life!

Sandy said...

Wow, great for you to experience this. I try to pray for courage for my kids every morning. It's a virtue well-forgotten!
Happy V-Day!
Sandy

Mrs.Kwitty said...

How lovely. I would love to go on one of those retreats, simple and calm--time for quiet prayer. lovely. We have Benedictine sisters here in Duluth--in fact we have the college of St. Scholastica right here in our humble town!
Smiles, Karen