Be Still!

               It has been a whirlwind of a month for my family and me.  On July 22^nd, we left for a vacation in California and spent too many hours on LA freeways.  Three days after returning home, 2-a-day football practice began and my brother came for a visit with his family. Less than 48 hours after they left, I drove four hours to the Catholic Writers Conference in New Jersey while my husband packed his belongings and my son working on his summer reading and practiced more football.  Arriving home, I unpacked and repacked and drove twelve hours with my husband to St. Louis, where he began his new job after getting him settled, visiting our new city and meeting his new co-workers, I flew home.  This past Monday was the first “normal” day for me in four weeks.

               And I found myself driving my cat to the veterinarian at Noon on Monday.  The last time I had her at the vet, I was there for two and a half hours.  I was hopeful that I could be in and out in less than an hour.  I did go prepared.  Before I left the house, I perused the stack of books that I acquired at the Catholic Writers Conference and brought one of them with me to the appointment.

               I sigh with relief as I approached the waiting area, it was empty. I checked in only to learn that all of the appointment rooms were full, but was assured it would just be a few minutes before we were settled in a room.  I pulled out the proof copy of Teresa Tomeo’s new book, “God’ Bucket List”. It will be published in November.   I read the opening chapter and then looked at my watch.  I had been there for twenty minutes. I stood up and stretched, sat down and turned the page.

               Just a few moments later, Paws (my cat) and I were ushered into the examination room.  Paws tried to get comfortable on the stainless steel counter and I sat on the bench, more than slightly irritated.  “Be Still” was the title of the chapter I was reading.  I finished it, looked at my watch and sighed.

               I had just read about the need to find quiet time with God in the midst of crazy scheduled.  I pick up Paws from the sterile, cold counter and put her on my lap as I reached for my rosary.  I closed my eyes, crossed myself and began to pray.  I could feel Paws purring as I fingered the beads in one hand and stroked her with the other. Moving from one joyful mystery to the next, I felt the tension leave my body. As I was finishing the Salve Regina, the door opened and the vet entered.

               What a difference that prayer time made in my demeanor toward the vet. Paws was also relaxed and was more cooperative than normal.  The check up didn’t take long and soon she was back in her carrier, and we were heading back to the car.  I check my watch and it had taken an hour and twenty minutes for the visit.  I was behind my crazy, Type A schedule, yet the prayer time kept me balanced.  Perhaps I should put “Be Still” on the background of my phone!

An Unexpected Oasis

I spent this past week in an oasis of Catholic goodness with individuals who are inspired to use their written talents to evangelize.  I have returned to life refreshed in multiple dimensions with a clearer perspective on several aspects of my life.  I nearly cancelled my plans to travel to Dallas to attend the Catholic Writers Conference on Sunday.  Why was I flying to this conference in spite of my too many obligations and the sudden news last week that my husband will be unemployed at the end of September?  Can I even call myself a writer? I didn’t have answers, yet boarded the plane on Monday evening.

My “writing” career began three years ago this month.  Ideas for several short stories had been bubbling in my brain and I began to write them.  It took me four months to finish the first and three weeks to finish the seventh.  I took classes at The Writers Center in Bethesda, MD to improve my writing.  In addition to the stories, I’ve written a series of memoir essays and began this blog a year ago.  All of my writing features the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church.  So I would call myself a Catholic Writer!  

I encountered liturgy that woke up my mind and my soul, authors who shared their struggles and persevered to become successful, sessions that provided very practical advice on writing, publishing, marketing and encouragement that came in so many different directions.  We were told to “be not afraid” as we share our faith with believers and non-believers. And to give our gift of writing back to the Lord, it is His plan, after all!

Jeff Cavins spoke about the New Evangelization and his new program called Walking Toward Eternity.  Catholic Radio personality Teresa Tomeo shared her experience as an author and as someone who interviews authors. 

I was touched by homilies by Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR, co-founder of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and by Bishop Christopher Coyne of Indianapolis. 

Restless Heart, a new film about St. Augustine was screened during the show.  Country singer Collin Raye sang and shared his story.  I met fellow lay Dominicans, have many new friends from around the country and spent time with the Lord in Adoration.  And we prayed, at the beginning of every session, sometimes at the end of the session.

That convention center, being baked by 100 degree temperatures, surrounded by Six Flags, Rangers Stadium and Texas Stadium was a cool place of refreshment this past week.  I’m still not quite sure why I boarded that plane, but I am glad that I did.

Are you are a Catholic writer? You should join us next year.