My sister laughs at me…she says that I tend to begin many of our conversations with, “I have this friend…my very best friend in the whole wide world….” Like I’ve shared before, God has blessed me with so many dear and wonderful friends, and they’re ALL the best.
Just when I was wondering how I was going to spiritually prepare for the Camino, one of my very best friends (in the whole wide world) asked if I wanted to join her and another friend in taking on a rigorous program of spiritual preparation for the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima. It would begin in February, continue through Lent, and involve daily prayer commitments, fasting and sacrifices, adoration and Consecration to Our Lady on May 13. How could I refuse?
Among other things, this involved giving up television and movies, allowing for extremely limited time on the internet, and listening only to music that was spiritually uplifting. What this forced me to do in the evenings was read, write, and reflect (besides the constant lesson planning and grading!). I even re-discovered some of my old favorite radio shows! The program requires getting 7 hours of sleep every night (very difficult for me since I require little) and intense daily exercise (I had that covered!).
How God provides in abundance! In abundance He provides me with just what I need. I certainly don’t always succeed every day in every challenge, but striving to go through this program with two amazing friends (of worldwide significance) has made the endeavor all the sweeter.