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The little girl grew up taking long, silent, barefoot walks with her mother, wiggling her toes in the red sand. The young woman entered a convent and dedicated her life to Christ. The mature woman traveled the world, inspiring thousands of listeners by braiding together strands from her Native American and Catholic roots.
Sister Jose Hobday first enriched my life a few years ago through her book, Simple Living. Our journey together continues with Stories of Awe and Abundance. This morning, I am reflecting on a chapter about Native American morning prayers that welcome the day, offer the self into service, and engage the Mystery.
How often do I stop to celebrate the day ahead? I wake reluctantly, often retreating for a few more cycles of dreaming. After I roll out of bed, it is all about urgency: make coffee and check the calendar, the e-mail, the to-do list, the weather report, the news. Before I know it, day is done and I am frustrated by wondering where it went.
How often do I consciously dedicate myself to living the life I intend? I have many ideals. I want to be patient and generous, productive and creative, mindful and at peace. Nevertheless, my daily life is littered with false starts and setbacks. I get caught up in the ego's needs. I lose focus and waste time. I resist reality and rant about the way things should be.
How often do I transcend time and engage the Timeless? I am so enmeshed in plans and projects, cravings, conflicts, and control that I lose track of the larger perspective. When I do, the urgency fades and my appetites rest. I center on the
spirit and find a better way.
As I reflect on a Native American version of morning prayers, I recall three favorite Christian prayers with resonant themes.
- This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.
- O Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
- Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful; kindle in us the fire of Your love.
I have written those three prayers on a card for the table next to my morning chair. I look forward to starting the days ahead with the wisdom of Sister Jose.
How do you point yourself in the right direction each morning? Would you like to try something new?
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