I had a lovely break with my husband's folks this weekend -- got some much needed TLC, a change of scenery, and pace. So relaxing. I brought the kids, the dog, a book I'm reading by Archbishop Fulton Sheen (Your Life is Worth Living: The Christian Philosophy of Life), my notebook, and my first draft of my novel. I forgot all my toiletries, because I was so intent on packing all my medicines. But I did not need them, despite the long drive and rain. I am truly on the mend thanks to all the loving support and prayers and should've had faith!
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We left the kitties at home in care of a neighbor. My husband was supposed to come along as well but he had to go to Japan. So he's working long hours, sleeping in a fancy high rise hotel and eating lunch out of bento boxes. He says we'd love it here. And all I can think of is the song from the Chipmunks: Japanese Banana.
So after nearly a two month hiatus, I have begun my revisions on my novel. If I suddenly drop off the blogosphere or the Blueboards, that's why. Although I have 15K revised already, I had to start at the beginning and as always, there are things to fix. Always.
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I had much time to think and reflect and write in my notebook. One thing I am certain of, although I am a very cracked and crooked pot, God can still use me to do His work. I may never hold oil or wine or perfume, but I can hold water and pour it out to a thirsty fellow being. So I pray that the Lord fill me.
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Sunday's Mass and readings all felt directed toward this (I always feel this way, but especially so this weekend -- it really did feel like a retreat). I sang Psalm 40 with my entire heart: Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
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I highly recommend this book ... for Christians and non-Christians alike. Very readable. It's actually a transcript of Fulton Sheen's radio broadcasts.
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14 comments:
From one cracked pot to another... *HUGS!* I'm glad you are on the mend, my friend. I've missed your posts.
Enjoy the revisions. They can be cathartic!
Welcome back. It's good to see you. I hope the relaxation has helped your headaches too. I'll have to propose that book for book club. My sister and I have been wanting to do read something with a spiritual message for book club.
Hugs right back, Donna. Page by page. It feels sooooo good to get back to my book. And it feels even better to feel the healing hand of God upon my head.
Melissa, this book has clarified my thinking on so many things, and I can't believe that it's just him sitting in a booth talking! I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I am ... still reading it.
I had much time to think and reflect and write in my notebook.
Ummmmm -- I can feel the nourishment from here. :) Wonderful book to be reading and well timed, it sounds like. The well is filling and now you'll be able to give forth in your book.
Water is the stuff of life. Oil will make you fat, wine gets you drunk and you can't drink perfume.
Marcia -- writing in my notebook is so wonderful and it is completely different than writing to even my nearest and dearest. This weekend was truly rejuvenating.
Bish, you are too funny. I think of oils and wine as symbols of richness, but you're also right. Water is the stuff of life.
Vijaya,
You can be funny and spiritual all at the same time:-)
Lovely post and I hope you enjoy your revisions.
Thanks Suma. I'm glad I can make people laugh as well.
Hey friend! Your post reminds me of a book by Patsy Clairmont called, God Uses Cracked Pots. Several friends said it is a good read.
Thanks for the book recommendation, Donna. What a great title. I will look for it.
I love what Bish said! I'm a cracked vessel myself.
Isn't Fulton Sheen related to the bishop Martin Sheen took his name from? If so, I'm interested in that book -- and I am rarely interested in religious books.
Mary, although Fulton Sheen's given name was Peter John, everyone referred to him as Fulton (his mother's maiden name). I thought Martin Sheen was an actor ...
Oh, and my husband found a link where all these talks are archived. It's lovely to hear his voice -- he's a very charismatic speaker. Here's the link: http://www.bishopsheen.excerptsofinri.com/ You'll need to scroll down to see the list of topics. But I do so like having the book to browse through.
Martin Sheen is an actor, but also a devout Catholic. His real name is Spanish; he took 'Sheen' from a priest he loved and admired -- or perhaps a bishop? I heard this from someone years ago, but it's a lovely story.
I'll have to look this story up now. I won't doubt if he took his name from Fulton Sheen. He has inspired many ... including me.
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