Setting up Early

After lunch, I went in to chapel.  I wanted to set up for tomorrow’s morning Mass.  Although I’ve done this during the wee hours of the morning when working the night shift, I’ve never set up for Mass this far in advance!  The reason for this is that Father will be without a sacristan in the morning, though I briefly instructed one of our residents in the minimal basics. 
 
Just now, I put everything in place with the chalice, complete with veil and corporal, and put it back in the cupboard.  All they’ll have to do in the morning is pull it out (plus lighting candles and putting on the mic). 
 
I hadn’t really expected to be leaving so soon, but plans have changed in a wonderful way!
 
Last evening, at the end of my phone call with Sr. Mary Ruth in Rugby, the topic of the weekend’s travel came up.  We have a community meeting tomorrow at our provincial house in Hankinson.  The Sisters from Rugby will be travelling down this evening for the occasion, while the car from Grand Forks is set to leave promptly at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning. 
 
A couple of times during the past week, I’ve had the nagging thought, “It sure would be nice to ride down with the Sisters from Rugby!”  Our convent is pretty much on their way.  This would give me a little extra time away to be with our Sisters at the provincial house. 
 
I thought I might have to work this evening, and also did not want to invite myself, so I didn’t do anything about it.  I should say I didn’t do anything but pray. 
 
That little word should not be underestimated! 
 
I entrusted the situation and my desire to Our Lord, giving it over to Him and moving on with my life.  I tried not to give it much more thought. 
 
Yesterday at table, though, I hinted at my little far-fetched hope with my superior.  At this point, it was just a desire that I thought would probably be unfulfilled since I had no intentions of inviting myself.  Nonetheless, she nonchalantly said that I could go early with them if it worked out. 
 
So, here I am Friday afternoon, after getting up early to get cookies made for our residents.  I’ve started throwing some things together, but am not quite ready yet (physically).  Interiorly, I am more than ready and so excited for the opportunity to get away and have a nice time with our Sisters.

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