The approach of Lent

We are not going to church for pancakes as this day was utterly exhausting for both of us and we don't want to make the trip down the canyon into town to eat pancakes.

We are, however, having pancakes and sausage for our supper here at the house.
Over this last couple of weeks, with me working so much, I've really let some stuff slide. Not good, as I tend to find myself going into the Darker Regions if I do not keep up certain disciplines.

So I will allow Lent to teach me as I use the forty days to be mindful of certain things I already knew.

One, I absolutely cannot go more than one week without the Eucharist. I just can't. I worked two weekends in a row so no church on two Sundays, then I did not go on Wednesday. I found myself wanting to stay in bed this past Sunday with the covers over my head. I had an obligation to take the Eucharist to hospitalized Episcopalians, though, so I couldn't, and am I glad.

When I approached the Altar of God, it was like the dark veil that had descended over me over the last week or so was lifted and the light shone again. I didn't realize that a dark veil had descended! I was in a sacred space, the presence of the Almighty. My problems, huge to me, were suddenly paltry. Joy suddenly permeated my being. The problems didn't go away, but suddenly were not as big. With God's help, all will be well.

So, the new discipline is to not allow work to interfere with the worship life that is essential to the rest of my life. If I work Sunday, I go to Eucharist on Wednesday, no excuses.

Also, again as I've found helpful before, praying the Hours. I remember a post I did two years ago, before I moved from Our Nation's Capital and was then incredibly mindful about praying the Hours, about how I looked forward to my next prayer time as I knew that I would have a good time in relation with God. I can do this. I've done it before.

And serving is helpful as well. I've noted that serving others seems to benefit me more than the people I serve, in whatever venue I happen to serve. I was so happy to be able to serve the Eucharist and pray for others in the hospital this past Sunday as a lay Eucharistic visitor. What an honor.

I eagerly anticipate reading the insights of other bloggers as we go through Lent. This is our "revival time." It'll be interesting to see where we all are on the other side.

Friday already

Where has the week gone?

The one day this week that was busy was Wed. I've kind of blocked that out as God's day in the middle of the week. Of course each day should be God's day, but this particular Wed I went to morning Eucharist and then went back for supper, a more casual Eucharist, and a speaker. In the meantime on that day, I had lunch with a friend from my old church who I've not seen since August. It was so good to catch up.

I went to work on Monday. I had been requested over a week ago to come in and work for one of the patient care techs; I agreed and showed up although I had a bit of a stomach bug. People said, "Why are you here? So and so is coming in to work that shift." Turned out that my boss put me on the master schedule in the main office but not on the working schedule in the work area. So the techs arranged for someone to come in. She is cheaper to have work than I am, plus I didn't feel well, so I worked for a couple of hours then went home. I read the rest of the day.

Wed am I got called to come in to work as a tech. I didn't go as I had my day already planned out. I'm beginning to think that since I've said I want to work more hours, that instead of hiring a new tech (which they need to do), they are going to use me. Problem is, I will do it every once in a while, but I got my degrees for a reason.

I actually am working this evening as a nurse, though! I begged a co-worker to take a vacation day so that I can do it. I've got some all night shifts coming up in mid November due to my begging another co-worker to take some time off.

And I'm going to look for another job in the hospital system. I know there are places that will use me in the hospital without having to beg to be placed on the schedule. I spoke with my boss a couple of weeks ago about needing to work more; she was sympathetic, but there is only so much she can do due to budget constraints. I have wondered since I went to work there why in the world I was hired in the first place. I have worked a total of 15 shifts since June.

Last night I went to a cooking class at the local kitchen store. I learned how to grind and stuff sausage. We like sausage at our house but not all of the garbage that goes into it, so I thought I'd go. Tasted lots of great stuff and got some awesome recipes! Very fun!

Just a note about the Eucharist

today. After I got back to my seat, I dissolved in tears due to the fact I felt clean. Honestly, I didn't feel dirty before I went to the altar, but after I got back to my seat, I felt clean inside and out.

I have a grateful heart today.