Recap 2021: The Rest of the Story
Today's blog is a follow-up to a vlog that I released on New Years' Eve 2021. The video recaps personal life points that spoke about unhealthy behaviors during the height of Covid-19. It depicts how I pivoted towards improving my life and deepening my faith. I want to elaborate a bit more on these subjects after poignant questions were asked by a reader.
Some people seem to appease my creative hobby, "Catholic Camper" and others view it with purpose. With this particular piece, Recap: 2021 the responses after its launch were like bolts of illuminating lighting during a stormy dark night; exciting!
One question by a particular viewer caught my attention, "So what is the rest of the story? His question contends me to explain myself further. And so, I will answer here, in written form. Specifically, the reader asks, "What changes did you notice in yourself when you committed to prayer, a communication partner, and quiet time?"
First, prayer is a verb and deserves intentionality. But with so many prayer formats it is challenging to find one that fits my style. So, during the Pandemic, I evaluated all types of prayer and determined which one I enjoyed the most. I chose Lectio Divina with the Liturgy of the Hours. Mostly, because I'm contemplative and I like structure. Both reads are set in a disciplined format that keeps me from getting distracted. Furthermore, finding quiet time to pray was more challenging than the first since work was increasing at the office. I decided to combine both. I gauged a normal 24-hour day and slotted 2 hours for prayer and quiet time at a very unusual time of day; 4:30 AM. A time when I would not receive emails or phone calls and the house was quiet. Quiet enough that I was able to pray wholeheartedly and listen to His Word. At times, during the darkness of morning and the light of a flickering candle, I heard the clarifying voice of God.
I continue to do this today, at least three times a week and as a result, I am rested and confident to take on life issues. Prayer and quiet time allow a natural decompression from stress and disburden mind-boggling anxieties of life. I find peace, true peace.
Now, recognizing a communication partner was an accident. In fact, it just happened. This person was someone I trust and enjoyed their company. He is not a counselor nor a spiritual guide. No, this person listens, decodes, and receives messages from me with the intent of just being a friend.
Today, the relationship is reciprocal and I must be ready to do the same for him. My experience thus far is much like a brotherhood and periodic huddles are best to help with life spats. In fact, interpersonal communication between us creates boundaries to assist with keeping a healthy relationship. How is this different from talking to my wife? Well, it's a guy thing!
Finally, in the vlog, I mention four books that prove to be page-turners in 2021. These books had a significant impact on my year which offered perspective to the above-mentioned life points. I will vlog about the books later. And for this piece, I will close with another question the reader asks; "I suspect that you have some specific examples that I could relate to and be inspired by the books you read:
Finally, in the vlog, I mention four books that prove to be page-turners in 2021. These books had a significant impact on my year which offered perspective to the above-mentioned life points. I will vlog about the books later. And for this piece, I will close with another question the reader asks; "I suspect that you have some specific examples that I could relate to and be inspired by the books you read:
Immaculee Ilibagiza, Left to Tell
Bob Schuchts, Be Healed
Jeffrey Krames, Lead with Humility
USCCB, Everyone Belongs
Bob Schuchts, Be Healed
Jeffrey Krames, Lead with Humility
USCCB, Everyone Belongs
Yes, I do Scott.
"Be Healed". Thank you for this recommendation. You'll never know the profound impact this has made in my Faith journey. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome, Al
ReplyDelete