Lord, To Whom Shall We Go . . .

It is that time of year again when I reconsecrate myself to Jesus through Mary by St. Louis Marie de Montfort. It is no secret that I love the Rosary. As much as I love the Rosary, I admit I do not pray it as often as I ought. I still feel the tender love of Our Mother, however, and she calls to me constantly. She does desire ardently that I listen to her Son. I also admit that knowing she loves me fills me with a good sort of confidence. I love a mother who will not relent! It is my prayer that she never stops pestering me to keep chasing after the Lord.

I was given a thick volume for consecration from a friend last year, but this year I will be using the very thin preparation book. My reasoning is quite simple: since I reconsecrate on May 31 and our belongings will all be on their way to HI by May 22, and, I have a few other volumes of prayer books going to be on my person . . . another one that I will only need a few days after we pack out, seemed a bit much. I mean, my upper body strength makes me no Samson, right? Right. It's been a painful decision, that. Trying to figure out which books to bring with me on the plane and to delight in to the end or over and over again until our household goods arrive us in Oahu by end of July. It is a very long time to go without all my beloved books. I reference so many of them so often. However, it is also good to break from it all. What books will be with me? The thin consecration book, The Fire Within (I'm taking this very slowly), and In Conversation With God. I will be keeping the rosary given me by Fr. Ron S, which was given him by Pope John Paul II, close to my heart, praying it daily again. I will also continue to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet daily upon this same rosary.

Many of my days now will be about continuing (in a much more concerted effort!) sifting through all our "stuff" and figuring out what to keep, give away, and or throw away. It's daunting, but a blessing. It is so very freeing and, in a sense, a very good spiritual exercise as well. Detaching from things.

There is the upcoming trip to this lovely place as well. In a few short days I will not only be blessed by the splendor of this shrine, but by the beauty of the women who I am traveling with. When I think upon these things, coupling with it the mystery and depth of God having blessed me with Chief and our three kids: Wow! God has really outdone Himself in generosity to me! If only I could love Him like that. I mean, I think I do and I want to . . . but am I? Can I? It is a sincere desire.

I pray the Lord watch over my companions and me as we travel to and from Stockbridge, MA. I also pray our families stay safe. And, of course, because I am uber selfish on this matter: the weather to be nice - at a bare minimum: no rain, please! I am already salivating just thinking about the contemplative walk(s) I'll enjoy here. Lord, I can't wait!