Inspired by Scholastica

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We all have good intentions to do better, to be better, but life gets in the way. We plan to set aside 20 minutes every morning for centering prayer, then a phone call interrupts  and our prayer goes by the wayside. We plan to write in our journal each night but after a hectic day we are too tired. We decide to not eat anything after supper, and someone in the house brings home Blizzards to celebrate a special occasion, and we are unable to refrain. We set a deadline for finishing a writing assignment, and procrastinate actually doing it. Most of us are weaklings when it comes to achieving goals in our lives. We make excuses for not following through with our resolutions. Is this part of human nature or lack of discipline? Is it in our DNA or can we change our way of life? I must admit I have failed more often than I have succeeded in carrying out my good intentions. I think it helps to have good role models or someone to be accountable to. In my spiritual endeavors it helps me...

Jesus’ relationships with women were always revelatory. I found his conversation with the Samaritan woman especially revealing. He came to the town well and asked this unknown woman for a drink. She is taken aback that Jesus, a Jew, would speak to a Samaritan.  He tells her if she knew who he was, she would ask him for a drink. Surprised, she said, “Sir, you don’t even have a bucket.” He tells her he has living water that if she drinks of it, she will never thirst again. She is intrigued and asked how this can be? When he reveals that he knows about her private life, she realizes this is no ordinary man. Later she tells Jesus she knows the Messiah is coming and he tells her, “I who am speaking to you am he.” Jesus chooses this unnamed woman of failed relationships to be among the first to whom he reveals himself. And she immediately becomes an evangelizer, running to the town to tell others that she has met the Messiah. In one of the longest conversations with anyone in th...

A new year. A whole clean slate in front of us. What will we write on it? Will we fill it with wishful thinking? Or whimsical ideas? Or flimsy plans? Or down-to-earth resolutions?  I don’t mean lose 50 pounds this year, but lose one pound a week by cutting out soft drinks and potato chips (or whatever your weakness is). I don’t mean walking ten miles a day, but walk one mile a day five times a week. I don’t mean praying more, but setting aside a 20 minute time slot to devote to meditation or some form of prayer that is meaningful to you. Resolutions need to be realistic and doable. And when we fail, we can’t beat ourselves up, but begin each day with renewed determination. Our goal is to become the best possible person we can be, physically, mentally, and spiritually. If a friend’s nudge is helpful, by all means take advantage of it. A recent survey found that only 44 percent of Americans plan to make new year’s resolutions. Twelve percent resolved to become a better per...

As winter gusts sweep over the earth, chilling our bones, sending shivers up our spine, we  seek fuzzy slippers and wooly robes. Winter is a time for burrowing under covers, hovering around the radiator, wearing warm sweaters, coats, and gloves before stepping out into snow-covered paths and frozen hinterlands.  Better to enjoy the landscape from inside when wind chills are in the minuses and even furry animals shiver in shelters Bring out the hot cocoa or cup of tea for a fireplace chat with a friend.