Boy, did this morning’s reading from James hit the nail on the head!
 
Last night, I had made preparations for a possible trip down to our provincial house in Hankinson.  I was hoping to tie up loose ends on the website project.  Sr. Elaine had a board meeting scheduled there, and I was going to ride along with her, weather providing. 
 
We had been watching the weather and road reports to make a good decision as to whether or not we should go, due to wind and blizzard conditions yesterday. 
 
It turned out that we did not go, and I readjusted my schedule to stay put. 
 
Our titular passage (Jas 4:13-17) seemed so appropriate as I read it this morning during my prayer time, sitting in our chapel, and not preparing to leave on the anticipated trip. 
 
We should not say, “I will do this” or “I will do that.”  We had better say, “If God wills it, I will do this or that.” 
 
As a person who likes to have my carefully made plans all in order, this experience was another “teaching moment” for me.  It stretched me to lean more on His will than on my best laid plans.

Last week in Bible study, one of the songs we used was “Cornerstone.”  Its catchy melody and inspiring words kept circling ‘round in my head for days after. 
 
The words, “Through the storm, He is Lord…” have been coming back again the past day or so…It has been a rather stormy time. 
 
I find dealing with staffing shortages, and people who don’t carry through, stressful and overwhelming.  Last night, I found myself feeling tired, frustrated, and just fed up. 
 
Someone was supposed to come for training for a position we’ve been trying to fill.  She never showed up, and has not responded to messages or phone calls. 
 
What a disappointment!  I had been waiting for a few days for her to start, and hadn’t been as assertive in promoting the job opening because I was hopeful that she would “work out.”  
 
No such luck. 
 
Last night, the stormy weather was starting to get the better of me.  I felt like my boat was bogged and taking on water. 
 
However, through encouragement of a couple of others, I’ve been able to see some light through the dark storm clouds. 
 
I’ve realized that I probably can’t change the weather, but I can change my attitude.  I can try to look at the extra shifts I end up working as something to offer up to our Lord, in union with His own suffering. 
 
This doesn’t make the storm go away, but I’ll fare much better if I keep my eyes on Him, rather than complaining about the inclement weather. 
 
Prayers for a sailor on stormy seas would be greatly appreciated. 

Today, at the dinner table, one of our Sisters shared an experience she had had while filling in at the reception desk last evening. 
 
One of our residents came up, and wanted help taking off her sweater.  At first, Sister and she were going to go in our little library, but there was an outside window there and people would be able to view the private undertaking.
 
Instead, they used a storage room next store. 
 
It was quite the struggle, and Sister got a bit impatient.  The woman had some physical difficulties that made the process quite trying. 
 
Catching herself, Sister gave herself a little pep-talk: “What have you been reading about [in spiritual books] and talking about in your sermons to the residents on Sundays [at the ecumenical church services]?...You’re supposed to serve Christ in these people!”
 
A little while later, the woman was back again.  She wanted help putting on another clothing item. 
 
Laughingly, Sister recalled how she had quickly been given a chance to make amends for her previous impatience. 
 
She hadn’t needed to look for an opportunity because it fell into her lap!

Although February 2nd is better known as "Groundhog's Day," it has a far greater significance as the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemass. 

Today, we celebrate the presentation of the Child Jesus in the temple when He was 40 days old.  It has also been designated as the Day for Consecrated Life. 

It is kind of a special day for me, personally, too.  Seventeen years ago today, I was received as a postulant in Hankinson. 

Please join me in prayer for an increase in vocations to the consecrated life, that more young people today may imitate Our Lord in this special way.