How Do You Cope?

[Catherine Therese]

Every now and then, in one of those rare, lucid moments, I remember that this moment right now isn't about what will happen in 3 months time. I'm not actually waiting at all, not really. I'm living now, with the hope of beautiful things in my future, but still living now. My focus shifts to an awareness that God has given me THIS moment and I should do something worthwhile with it.


Then I consciously say to the Lord 'I give my NOW to You.'
A second or so later I say ' and now, too.'
And then I say 'and now.'

Then I have a private little chuckle at how silly this all seems.

But each time I do it I'm reminded that this is actually important. I might not have DONE anything as I was saying those things... I may not have produced anything that feeds someone or heats their house or done anything that contributes to the material goods of the world. I might not have interacted with any other people during that time. I may not have done anything in that moment EXCEPT offer it to the Lord. But isn't that the best thing I could have done with it? Isn't the Lord going to do WAY MORE with that instant than I could possibly hope to do on my own strength?

I think thats the point. Even when I'm busily occupied with the matters of this world - with earning my paycheck, with helping someone with something... whatever I'm doing I need to do it as if it were in and of itself an implicit offering of that moment to the Lord.

That sounds mysteriously reminiscent of Colossians 3:23, does it not?

[Tally Marx]

[quote name='Catherine Therese' timestamp='1305733733' post='2243236']
Every now and then, in one of those rare, lucid moments, I remember that this moment right now isn't about what will happen in 3 months time. I'm not actually waiting at all, not really. I'm living now, with the hope of beautiful things in my future, but still living now. My focus shifts to an awareness that God has given me THIS moment and I should do something worthwhile with it.


Then I consciously say to the Lord 'I give my NOW to You.'
A second or so later I say ' and now, too.'
And then I say 'and now.'

Then I have a private little chuckle at how silly this all seems.

But each time I do it I'm reminded that this is actually important. I might not have DONE anything as I was saying those things... I may not have produced anything that feeds someone or heats their house or done anything that contributes to the material goods of the world. I might not have interacted with any other people during that time. I may not have done anything in that moment EXCEPT offer it to the Lord. But isn't that the best thing I could have done with it? Isn't the Lord going to do WAY MORE with that instant than I could possibly hope to do on my own strength?

I think thats the point. Even when I'm busily occupied with the matters of this world - with earning my paycheck, with helping someone with something... whatever I'm doing I need to do it as if it were in and of itself an implicit offering of that moment to the Lord.

That sounds mysteriously reminiscent of Colossians 3:23, does it not?



[/quote]



^ I like this.

[FutureSister2009]

I don't think I ever mentioned what ministries I contribute to. I sing in choir, I used to altar serve and I was in our youth group. I wish I could get involved in more though. I've always wanted to teach CCD and RCIA. But since I'm theoretically going away to college in the fall, I can't sign up this year. Maybe after I finally do enter into Religious Life, I will get to do these things. I have assisted with First Penance and First Communion retreats and we have a little summer weeklong program called Cherubs that I have helped out with as well. I'm debating on whether or not I'll do it again this summer. I need to keep myself busy.

At home, I've been working and saving as much money as possible to get myself into the convent faster. I've also been cleaning out my room. Donating to charity. There are things I can't part with yet and I won't be ready to until I have an entrance date.

Did I also mention I absolutely love to participate in our major Parish events? Yes like our pastor's Anniversary Mass yesterday and our various processions like Good Friday, the May Procession and now I'm anxiously waiting for the Corpus Christi Mass and Procession. Oh and we are starting the St. Anthony Novena in two or three weeks!

Edited May 23, 2011 by FutureSister2009

[Yaatee]

[quote name='Catherine Therese' timestamp='1305733733' post='2243236']
Every now and then, in one of those rare, lucid moments, I remember that this moment right now isn't about what will happen in 3 months time. I'm not actually waiting at all, not really. I'm living now, with the hope of beautiful things in my future, but still living now. My focus shifts to an awareness that God has given me THIS moment and I should do something worthwhile with it.


Then I consciously say to the Lord 'I give my NOW to You.'
A second or so later I say ' and now, too.'
And then I say 'and now.'

Then I have a private little chuckle at how silly this all seems.

But each time I do it I'm reminded that this is actually important. I might not have DONE anything as I was saying those things... I may not have produced anything that feeds someone or heats their house or done anything that contributes to the material goods of the world. I might not have interacted with any other people during that time. I may not have done anything in that moment EXCEPT offer it to the Lord. But isn't that the best thing I could have done with it? Isn't the Lord going to do WAY MORE with that instant than I could possibly hope to do on my own strength?

I think that's the point. Even when I'm busily occupied with the matters of this world - with earning my paycheck, with helping someone with something... whatever I'm doing I need to do it as if it were in and of itself an implicit offering of that moment to the Lord.

That sounds mysteriously reminiscent of Colossians 3:23, does it not?[/quote]

It sounds mysteriously reminiscent of Buddhist philosophy--the living in the present. Something we should all strive for. Old Zen story: Long time devotee visits The Master, asks "O great Master, what can I do to attain Enlightenment? I meditate 20 hours a day!" Master says," When you entered my house and took off your shoes (what you do in the East), which shoe did you take off first?" Devotee hesitates and replies, "I don't know, Master!" Master chuckled and says, "Go home and meditate for another 20 years !"

[BigJon16]

This is advice I have received from my SD when I told him how impatient I've been about my vocation. Its really helped me:

[quote]Remember to be patient with God, and with yourself. God knows your future and wants the best for you. He knows what you need, and when you need it. Parts of your journey will feel slow, while other parts will fly by. St John Vianney, Patron Saint of Priests, had a long and difficult road to the priesthood. My call to the Diaconate took 20 years to complete. Dealing with doubts and temptations is part of your journey and a testing of your humble submission to God in all aspects of your life, wherever He leads you. To keep you heart pure along your journey, you should go to confession monthly. You need God’s grace in this sacrament to see and hear God clearly.

In Jn 14:12, Jesus says [color="#FF0000"]“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.” [/color]


Be persistent and steadfast.

Jesus waited 30 years before He began his public ministry.

Paul was sent back to his hometown of Tarsus (Acts 9:30) after his conversion, before Barnabas called him back years later (Acts 11:25). Paul tells us in Gal 2:1 that it was 14 years before he saw Peter again.

Paul also tells us that the first and most important ingredient of love is patience! (1st Cor 13:4). True love waits! We rejoice that God is very patient with us (i.e. slow to anger; rich in mercy). My own journey to become a Deacon lasted 20 years across several states from the time God first placed the idea in my head. I thought I was ready earlier, but God had the best plan for me that meant I had to pass many tests before I was ready for the responsibilities of a Deacon here.

This is what I meant that we must “walk by Faith”. Jesus knows the way. He IS the Way! We must entrust ourselves to God that He will lead us along the right path, and then continue down that path in sunshine and in rain, in good times and in bad. Because anyone can walk a path when it’s easy, but true love is revealed only when it is tested and passes through hard times. Then we can see if the love we claim to have for God is strong enough to carry us when the journey grows unpleasant. And when we stumble and fall, we rely on God’s grace to pick us up so we can continue along the path.

But don’t focus on the long journey ahead. “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.” (Mt 6:34).
[/quote]

I hope this helps anyone who is feeling impatient, as I have before.

[FutureSister2009]

^^^^^^ Very helpful BigJon16


I also just framed the picture of me with my Sisters that's on my profile so every morning and every night I'll always be reminded that my family is waiting for me just as I am waiting for them.

[vee]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1305177430' post='2240393']
How do you cope with waiting?

What are your ministries and activities?
[/quote]

and

[FutureSister2009]

[quote name='vee8' timestamp='1306259517' post='2245410']
and
[/quote]





Let me join you on that!

[LaPetiteSoeur]

[quote name='vee8' timestamp='1306259517' post='2245410']
and
[/quote]

Replace the beer with tea and you got it right.

[bmb144]

Pray, read and try not to dwell on it is the way I handle it. In my case though, I care for my mum, so I have that responsibility and that does tend to numb down the impatience factor. Its not like I can do all that much, just stay in touch with the communities who are prepared to enter into a long term dialogue and learn what I can and wait.

LOTH is my core practice and I find as I get closer to end of my theology degree I am using it more to explain the churches doctrine to both Catholic friends and non Catholic friends. I get to confession and Mass on the days where my mum is ok to be left and I just try to live each day, one day at a time.

I'm simply waiting for the day that I will free to take discernment to the next level. i had hopes of visiting one community but as my mum has to have some medical tests done I doubt I'll get there till mid next year now.

[FutureSister2009]

What I plan on doing while I'm away at school is study Theology thoroughly (I've chosen it as my major), get very involved in Campus Ministry, have conversations frequently with the Priests and Sisters on campus, participate in retreats, wake up for the Prayer Service every morning, attend Mass every day, attend Adoration every Friday (I pray my class schedule cooperates with this stuff) and don't forget my end goal. God-willing, this time next year, I'll be there. I want to set my entrance date really soon so I can continue my Spiritual Growth. I'd like to spend next Advent and Lent preparing myself for entrance.

[Lisa]

I think it's important to remember that while it's important to prepare spiritually to enter the convent, we should also put that same hunger for a deeper spiritual life into our lives as lay people, too

Those sound like wonderful things, FutureSister! I can't stress time in front of the Blessed Sacrament enough. I love to go, and when I have to leave His beautiful presence, my heart absolutely aches

[FutureSister2009]

[quote name='Lisa' timestamp='1307390273' post='2250530']
I think it's important to remember that while it's important to prepare spiritually to enter the convent, we should also put that same hunger for a deeper spiritual life into our lives as lay people, too

Those sound like wonderful things, FutureSister! I can't stress time in front of the Blessed Sacrament enough. I love to go, and when I have to leave His beautiful presence, my heart absolutely aches
[/quote]

I'm the same way, I always don't want to leave. They only have it Friday afternoons at my new school but I'm amazed they have it at all.

[LaPetiteSoeur]

[quote name='FutureSister2009' timestamp='1306165328' post='2244878']
I don't think I ever mentioned what ministries I contribute to. I sing in choir, I used to altar serve and I was in our youth group. I wish I could get involved in more though. I've always wanted to teach CCD and RCIA. But since I'm theoretically going away to college in the fall, I can't sign up this year. [/quote]

Your college may have an RCIA or CCD program. As mine is in the city, our catholic center is also a parish for families. Students can help out with CCD and can be involved with RCIA. I really want to, but I can't next semester . I have a class the night the sponsers meet!

[Sarah147]

Mater, I was hoping you could take a peek at the two threads on the other forum.

[Divine Mercy 9999]

[quote name='vee8' timestamp='1306259517' post='2245410']
and
[/quote]

That's just about right. (Add some chocolate and you've got a winner.)

Adoration really helps. I really have no idea where God wants me. I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that He wants me to trust Him with each day. Waiting is soooo hard for me.

[Ephrem Augustine]

The church trains us to wait at least three times a year.
Advent.
Lent.
Pentecost.

its in our BLOOD