I’ve been working on devotions for, believe it or not, Advent. Living Faith, the Catholic devotional for which I’m honored to be a contributor, is doing a special Advent publication, and my work is due March 15. That’s one of the occupational hazards of being in the publishing business: you’re always working days or weeks or months ahead, rather than writing in the moment.
It’s interesting to think about where I’ll be doing on December 13 and December 23, the dates for my Advent reflections. Franciscan Media will have released on September 1 my female saints and blesseds book, so I’ll likely be finishing up some marketing. And of course, on the 23rd, I’ll be bleary-eyed and tired but nonetheless uplifted by the nine-day Simbang Gabi 5 a.m. novena that will end the following day.
But where will I reallybe? Will I have had some victories over the self-doubts and judgment that keep me from an even closer relationship with God? Will I have learned to let go of some hurts and to love those who have wounded me?
I don’t know. I pray that I will be reflecting Christ more in my thoughts, words, and actions. What I do know, however, while planning and writing ahead is essential to the publishing industry and coming up with answers to the “What if” question drives my fiction-writing efforts, these practicies get in the way of spiritual growth. I can’t predict who or where I’ll be in ten months or even tomorrow. All I can do is try to be more Christlike right now, in the moment.
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“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them – every day begin the task anew.” St. Francis de Sales