Due to the fact that my husband and I are expecting our first baby (any day now), we have kept our schedule for the last couple of weekends as free of commitments as possible. As a result, on Saturday we spent some time at a local shopping center, simply enjoying the beautiful weather, sitting on a bench and "people watching". In observing others going through the hustle and bustle of their weekend, I realized how out of the ordinary it was for me to really stop, step outside of my busy routine, and enjoy a peaceful moment, whether it be alone, with a companion like my husband, or with our Lord.
One of the main things that pregnancy has taught me is that it is acceptable to be Mary, instead of Martha once in awhile. Although there is no doubt that God loves for us to serve Him and His children in every way that we can, it is also important that we take some time to simply sit and listen to Him. This can be most obviously done through prayer and meditation, but it can also be accomplished in small and unusual ways, such as by spending some quiet time alone, sitting with a friend in need, nursing a child, or even humbling ourselves by letting others take care of us.
Even after 9 months, I often feel guilty for all of the extra responsibilities that my pregnancy has forced onto my husband. When I let go of this guilt and give into humility however, I can see God working in our marriage and building it up in new ways. For example, never has my husband resembled St. Joseph more to me, than through this pregnancy. And of course, my efforts to spend more time resting peacefully and spiritually preparing for motherhood is possibly the best gift I can give my growing child. Besides, there is no doubt that in a matter of just a few more days, I will be called to a busy life of service through parenthood, and I will have to be more like Martha in my daily routine.
Let's make an effort to make this Holy Week as peaceful as possible. Let's turn off the TV, spend less time on the internet and rid of unnecessary distractions. Who knows, you too might end up with some extra time to simply sit and spend time with our Lord...
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
-St. Francis de Sales
4 comments:
Your post reminds me much of my first baby's birth... I was admitted (pre-clampsia)on Holy Thursday evening, Induced themorning of Good Friday and he was delivered a healthy 7#'s 8 oz at 12:35am Holy Saturday... He was 13 yesterday... : ) God Bless you and your husband as you begin your family! Have a Blessed Holy Week!
Beautiful post Squinks. This is so true, and those quiet moments are still available even with an 8 month hold who refuses to sit still when awake. It's up to us to give them to the Lord.
This is what Holy week is about. Being like Veronica, and interrupting our normal day to stop and stare into the face of Christ, participating in His passion.
Great post! Quiet is very hard for me. Yesterday we went to confession (a little lenten holiness) and at first all I could think was "jeez, this line is long. We're going to be here FOREVER." Then I realized how ridiculous it was that I was upset about getting to spend some time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, waiting for God's mercy.
Jaune-I thought that once when we were in line in Bakersfield (it was at least 15 people in both lines...and they cut it off before us) but then I realized how wonderful it was that so many people were taking advantage of the Sacrament. :) I ended up getting so excited and happy for people as they left the confessional because they were whole again!
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