"An anecdotal account of the conversation between Fr. Benedict and Mother Teresa has been passed down over the years. It goes something like this: Mother Teresa said, 'Father, you need to make sure that your brothers make a holy hour every day.' Fr. Benedict looked at Mother Teresa and said, 'Mother, I don't think we can do that. There's too much work to be done.' Mother Teresa, totally serious and without skipping a beat, said, 'Well then, Father, make it two hours.' When St. Mother Teresa says something, we listen." pg7-8
"The weight of the work schedule was beginning to sink in with one of the other friars as well. His conclusion, however, was very different. Quietly, almost to himself, he said, 'Yeah, it's going to be a really long day. We're going to need that prayer time. ... We'll need it to keep us going.' He was right. He knew that our work, which was ultimately to be spiritual work, would be empty if we do not pray." pg 11
I really need to hear that today. When I get overwhelmed, I shorten prayer time. I do it distracted. I find ways to uncut myself because that prayer time is more necessary in the midst of chaos than in the midst of peace. I need prayer time to create space in my day.
When you need a reset, stop what you are doing. Assess. What aren't you doing right now because you are so busy that you should be doing specifically because you are so busy. Eating right will help to support your stress levels. A full night of sleep will help to support your stress levels. Prayer, prayer will replenish you in so many ways.
Quotes from Habits for Holiness by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
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