It's summer, and we students are taking a break from college life, well...some may be taking summer classes or staying on campus, but it's not quite the same as the regular school year. Anyway, things can be super awesome during this time. We get a chance to make some money (something we really need!) and enjoy the sun (another thing we really need). Personally, my summer has been awesome so far. I traveled to Israel and I'm starting work at a day camp on Monday. Something I've noticed is that I tend to ignore Jesus when I'm busy with work and summer activities. Actually, I tend to do this in the school year too when I'm busy with studies and school activities (haha!). I suppose all year round, I can forget about Jesus. Maybe we don't talk to Jesus at all or don't believe He is always with us. That's okay. Here are some suggestions to strike a conversation with Him, even when you're busy. Give it a try, whether you believe He's listening or not--you may be surprised with His answer: Oh, and I can't take credit for all of these ideas--all of them are inspired by what cloistered nuns do! 1. When driving in the car, perhaps to and from work, sing or listen to an inspiring song. Sing your praises to God or just enjoy the music that He created. Nuns usually like to sing whether they have a good voice or not. Music is typically a big part of their life! 2. Another thing when in the car: if you pass by a Catholic Church, wave hello at Jesus, or just say "what's up" to Him as you pass. He is truly present in that Church (aka the Eucharist!) When I was with the nuns, every time they passed the chapel, they bowed or nodded hello at Jesus! 3. If you have just one moment of rest, be it while your bread is toasting or you're waiting for your shift to start, just be aware that Jesus is present with you. My Novice Mistress told me that even if I was just waiting for the elevator to come down or for morning prayer to begin, I can use that time to pray. 4. See God in your work. If you're scrubbing a floor, think of how Jesus is scrubbing all of your troubles and sins away. If you're playing with children, think of how Jesus was a child and played with His fellow children. Again, my Novice Mistress taught me to take every action, even the most simple and do it for the glory of God, and find His hand in my work. 5. Compliment a family member or co-worker, and be sincere! Remember, Jesus is in them. Nuns are super eager to make others happy because they know that when they do that, they are making Jesus happy. They will gush each other with so much love, it is almost comical! 6. Put a cross on your screensaver or wear one on a bracelet so that every time you look at it, you remember the love Jesus has for you. The monastery is loaded with pictures of Jesus and images of the cross. Not to mention, the nuns I was with wore rings with crosses on them. They also had other medals and devotional objects with them and rosaries resting on their hips. Even if they tried, they wouldn't be able to forget that Jesus is present! 7. Do you have a family member or friend who you think is close to Jesus? Ask them what Jesus said to them today. Nuns are approached all of the time because people have a feeling that they are close to Jesus. These people are on to something! When we see someone close to Jesus, it's good to run to them and say, "Hey! How are things with Jesus?" Those are some ideas. You can be a college student, dishwasher, teacher, counselor, businessperson, waiter, secretary, bookkeeper, sales associate, or manager, and look how much you can have in common with nuns!
4 Comments
Grandma
6/16/2017 06:46:36 pm
Awwwwhhh, how cool are these ideas to think (consciously) about Jesus!? Loved reading them! Very wonderful support system!
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Jacqueline
6/16/2017 06:56:04 pm
Thanks Grandmama!
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Sharon Beltowski
6/18/2017 05:13:12 am
Very insightful and enjoyable to read! Thank you, I found the ideas helpful!
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AuthorJacqueline St. Clare: I spent six months in a cloistered convent, and now I'm a college student! Archives
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