“Batter my heart” December 20, 2006

Since most of my days started between 5 and 6 am this semester it feels particularly decadent to be lying in bed at 10:30 enjoying the winter sunshine and doing nothing. exams…are…done.

Studying, praying and generally being quiet at the monestary was really good for me. I would not say that it was easy or comfortable though. Somewhere around noon on Saturday I realized that I had no escape from my thoughts and that I was weary of them. At home I would listen to music or clean or call friends…any number of things. So it was a little intense in that regard, but I’d recommend it. Ben, the black lab, was happy to walk me after Terce and None each day. I say that he walked me because he picked the trail and how long we stayed out for. I took my camera one day and spent some time fiddling around with bittersweet wrapped around a tree. When I got back up to the trail Ben was sitting there with an expression that said, “I don’t know what you were messing around in the bushes for because the trail is right here and I’ve been waiting for you.” He’s got personality, that one.

I was introduced to the music of Imogen Heap at the Royal Oak Music Theater the other night and it was a really good show. She’s got a website (imogenheap.com) and a my space page if you want to take a listen, but I have to say that seeing her live was incomparable.

And finally, I’ve been reading and praying some bits and scraps of John Donne. I’d like to make it to John King Books over break and find a better collection of his poetry. Here’s one of my favorites from The Holy Sonnets- 1633.

Batter my heart, three-personed God: for You

As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;

That I may rise and stand, o’erthrow me, ‘and bend

Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.

I, like an usurped town to’another due,

Labor to’admit You, but O, to no end;

Reason, Your viceroy’in me, me should defend,

But is captived, and proves weak or untrue.

Yet dearly’I love You, ‘and would be loved fain,

But am betrothed unto your enemy.

Divorce me,’untie or break that knot again;

Take me to You, imprison me, for I,

Except You’enthrall me, never shall be free,

Nor ever chaste, except You ravish me.

~

running away…sort of.. December 15, 2006

going to shut myself away at St. Augustine’s retreat house Fri-Sun to rest and reflect and study for exams.  the grounds are huge and wooded and there is a lovely black lab named Ben to roam with. perfect.

a prayer for the morning November 6, 2006

“Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord.  Amen.  May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.  Amen. ”   ~ from the morning office of The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle

Remember how great it was when a professor would cancel class? You suddenly had an hour or two of  guilt-free free time.  My 7 hour clinical at Children’s was just cancelled.