It seems that many of my plans recently have come to a screeching halt. Is it simply the ebb and flow of life, or is it something much more disconcerting? There are times when discernment in such matters is an absolute necessity.
The collapse of the publishing company has kept my book from getting released just before Lent as I had been anticipating. I was looking forward to having my book available to people who attend the retreats and parish missions that I lead. I wanted it to be a resource which would encourage them in their own dark days of suffering and affliction. Unfortunately, with the closing of the publishing company I am back to square one as opposed to my book being released on February 28.
My Lenten schedule is full so I was going to attempt to get some rest and relaxation in the warm sunshine this week before things really ramp up. I attended all of the pro-life activities on Friday and Saturday in Cheyenne. I came home Saturday evening after the pro-life banquet and immediately finished packing and loading the car so I could leave early Sunday morning. I was going to drive to Missouri to pick up my brother-in-law and then we would head to Gulfport, Mississippi where the forecast was for three days of sunshine with high temperatures of 70 degrees. My body could already get a sense of the heat and humidity.
Sadly, as I finished loading the car and got ready for bed, I suddenly knew something was not right. I could feel that my heart was back in atrial fibrillation. My prayers for it to go back into rhythm on its own were not answered in the manner in which I had desired. It would require some medical assistance. Vacation had to be cancelled.
In the midst of these obstacles I am striving to discern any relevant spiritual aspects connected to these events. It is at least a reminder that as aggravation and frustration enter into the picture, I must root myself even more deeply in prayer to combat any spiritual assault that is involved.
I do not have any pictures of the Gulf of Mexico to share with you, but I can share some morning photos of beautiful Cheyenne, Wyoming. Have a blessed start to your February!
Don’t forget–t
he Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is tomorrow (Thursday) and St. Blase (Blaise) is on Friday. Get your throat blessed on Friday in your local parish.