This past week for my watch day, the day I set aside every week to pray and listen, I was able to spend some time in nature alone quietly observing and pondering lots of things. I mostly pondered how backward this world seems to me sometimes, especially how right seems wrong and wrong seems right. Then, God seemed to open my eyes to my surroundings.

Christmas season is quickly approaching, and many of us will spend a small portion of our morning watching our loved ones open presents. We at least see ads depicting young ones running excitedly to a tree and open a gift with so much anticipated joy that it is contagious.

I am spoiled! I have been so privileged for many years to have a “watch day”. A day set aside to pray and fast, to listen and respond. This day had been protected from outside activities for many years, and on the rare occasions that day was filled with outside obligations, I was able to at least be comforted by the fact that it was a rare occasion.

I was so blessed recently to sit in Adoration with a few very special women. We met there to renew our Consecration to Jesus through Mary. We had journeyed through the preparation together and desired to mark the consecration day with a special act of love to our Lord.

I have often referred to myself as a spiritual toddler. I say that because I can be very rash and reactive at times, and often have those “temper tantrums” for which toddlers are infamous.

For this school year, I have been feeling God call me to put in the work to be available to others outside my immediate family – have coffee with the neighbor, really talk to other moms while the kids play, reconnect with old friends (because my baby is not quite a baby anymore – He’s reminding me).

Have you ever reacted to someone or someplace or some situation with such snootiness or general crankiness – you know that just “rubs you the wrong way”?

Have you experienced any storms or even droughts in your life lately? You know I do not mean literally, although I could.

Have you ever pondered about something very ordinary, and just know there is something more? Recently, during my weekly time of sitting quietly to listen for His still small voice, an image popped into my head.

Has God ever used your annoying dog to teach you about your guardian angel? He did that for me recently, and I can’t wait to share it.