The duties and cares of the day ahead crowd about us when we awake in the morning (if they have not already dispelled our night’s rest). Now arises the uneasy question: How can all this be accommodated in one day? When will I do this, when that? How shall I start on this and that? Thus agitated, we would like to run around and rush forth. We must then take the reins in hand and say, “Take it easy! Not any of this may touch me now. My first morning’s hour belongs to the Lord. I will tackle the day’s work which He charges me with, and He will give me the power to accomplish it.” (Edith Stein Collected Works, ICS Publications p. 143)
How often I have begun my day full of anxiety and already exhausted by the thoughts of what needs to be done ‘today’. I can’t go about my day disturbed and agitated. In today’s society we live with almost constant stress in our daily lives. Many things need to be done and physically we can feel overwhelmed, if not totally exhausted.
I believe St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) quoted above in her essay on Principles of Women’s’ Education has the answer for us. Our first duty each day should be to spend time with God in prayer. Ideally, it should be spent at Mass where we participate in the great offering of reconciliation and are purified and made happy. As we participate in Mass we lay all our doings and troubles along with the sacrifice on the altar.
However, this is not always a possible way to start our day when we have a house full of small children to raise or if we don’t have the luxury of a convenient Mass time and a nearby church. Nevertheless, I can get up a bit early, before everyone else in the house has awaken, and spend some quiet moments with the Lord in prayer.
I can spend a moment making a spiritual communion and unite myself with Him. A spiritual communion is the best way to express, in prayer, my desire to receive Jesus. God will respond to this act with His grace. St. Teresa of Avila encouraged this practice as well. “When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you” (The Way of Perfection
And when the Lord comes to me then in Holy Communion, then I may ask Him, “Lord, what to you want of me?” (St. Teresa). And after quiet dialogue, I will go to that which I see as my next duty. (Edith Stein Collected Works, ICS Publications p. 144)
*The winner of our heart stamped necklace is…Missy Rose! Missy, please contact me with your mailing information by the end of the week.
Since I never heard from Missy Rose, we redrew. The winner of the stamped neckalce is Maria. Maria, please contact me by the end of the week with your mailing information so I can get this beautiful necklace to you.
**Be sure to watch for next month’s giveaway! A hint, it will vary depending on if I have a boy or a girl.
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Lol! I got behind on the blogs I read and didn’t see this! Glad to know that the necklace found a good home … and now back to catching up on all the posts I missed.
Wow great thanks! I sent you an email with my mailing info
Rebecca…I echo all the other ladies. It’s like you held up a mirror so I could see a little clearer what the struggle is and how to approach it. I love the selections from Edith Stein.
One day I’ll get to Mass every morning..but if I’m not careful, I’ll turn that into another anxiety of the day..
Blessings and +
Rebecca, you truly read my mind and heart. I am a mom of three little boys and tend to feel overwhelmed at times even before rising, if I had not been up thinking during the night. The past two years I have been waking between 4-5 a.m. and just enjoying spending time with the Lord in the early peaceful hours. It is one of the best times of the day and on the rare occasion I wake late I miss my communion time with Him. Thank you for sharing your wonderful insight. May God continue to bless you.
Oh Rebecca, were you reading my mind today? lol You don’t know how much I can relate to your words. Having two little girls under the age of 2 can definitely feel exhausting.Before, my mornings used to be filled with anxieties and concerns. I couldn’t figure out why was I feeling distress, so early in the morning. The thoughts of all the To Do List were overwhelming. I then began to pray for guidance. Why Am I feeling this way? What should I do God? as usual He directed me, right to the scriptures and from there I try my best to begin my day in prayer and with the scriptures. It suits my soul and gives me the peace and confident I need to tackle my every day list. Thank you Rebecca.
Rebecca~your writings are so beautiful and reflective of the Carmelite spirit you are striving to live. I can’t make it to Mass first thing in the morning, but I do sit for the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer once I get a warm mug of coffee in my hand. I feel my day doesn’t start until I have done that : ) Then I can *do the next thing*.
Oh yes! a warm mug of coffee is a must! Have a blessed day Theresa
Thank you ladies for the lovely comment! I was hoping to inspire, “raise up and support” other Catholic women to begin their day with God. I know my days go much better and I can accomplish much more when the day begins with Him.