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Over the weekend we went back to our home state to visit friends and family. It is a beautiful drive over rivers, through mountains, and across farmland. We saw a lot of deer along the way; they looked cold and hungry--it was a frosty 8°F. I forgot to bring the bag with my knitting and book in it. :( I am now knitting frantically to catch up on the Follow My Arrow knit along so I can begin Clue Three.
Until recently, I never understood why many of those who went on to become saints chose to live solitary lives either as hermits or in silent monastic communities. I thought it seemed contrary to Jesus' command to love one another, but now it makes perfect sense. The more we interact with people, the more we risk distraction from God, harmful attachments to others, and the opportunity to sin.
┼ . . . aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12)
I'm glad you had a great birthday Susan.
ReplyDelete8 degrees sure is cold! Where in NY is your family from? My mother in law and her family are from Norwich, NY.
My family lives a bit further upstate in the Syracuse area.
DeleteThere are some days when I am happy to be all by myself - my focus is so much better and get a lot more accomplished.
ReplyDeleteI like being with people and I like being alone. It's a funny personality, I like to tease my husband who is a true blue loner that he rubbed off on me. Glad you saw your family and you had a good celebration!!
ReplyDeleteBeing a monk or hermit is a calling - so, I guess if God calls you, then it seems the natural thing to do. By the way, have you ever read "Mother Benedict", about the founder of Regina Laudis monastery in Bethlehem, CT? And also, "The Ear of the Heart", a memoir of Dolores Hart, a former actress (did a few films with Elvis) who has been a nun in that monastery over 40 years. Both very good books.
ReplyDeleteWe need both sides...we need the quiet as well as the business. The seasons of our lives are just like this. Happy Birthday Susan...may Our Lord continue to fill you with His Grace. m.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday! Hope it was a happy one.:-)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a beautiful drive.
I'm a bit of a loner, quiet is good to me.
Enjoy your day!
I'm glad that you got to see your family and see such wonderful sights on the way. I hope that you get some quiet time too.
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Oh I missed your birthday! Happy belated birthday Susan :o). I hope you had a super day.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is a calling to live as a hermit or monk. Of course the logic is that being away from people means less opportunity to sin - but it also means less opportunity to spread the gospel, and that is why Jesus came after all :o) It is tempting though when you look at some of the evil being lived out today!
Lovely picture of your drive - looks FREEZING!!