I’m back! If you’re a loyal reader here at Making All Things New, you might have thought I hit the lottery and bought myself an island, never to post again. Nice thought, but not true. A few months ago, I changed platforms, and we’re slowly getting back to normal. In the meantime, I’ve been focused on the on-line portion of my health transformation retreat, which took place in early October. The forty days of daily posts just for those who joined me on the retreat is coming to a close, and in the next week or so, I’ll be back to focusing on my wider audience, which includes you ☺ Thanks for being here!
Well, the so called Artic Outbreak is moving across the county and headed in my direction. We’ve had a beautiful fall in Maryland, just gorgeous, and I’ll miss it when it’s finally gone. When one season gives way to another, I think it’s good to take a pause and count our blessings. Let’s face it friends, we have a lot to be grateful for. Right now, you’re reading my words with eyes that can see. Your mind is functioning (hopefully) and you’re able to make sense of what I’m writing. I could go on and on. So could you.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, of whom I’m a big fan, gave us a simple way to pray each day called the Examen. Just five easy steps, the second focuses on gratitude. How often does our prayer focus only on our needs? For many of us, we rarely thank God for all the good things in our lives, all of which have been given to us by… Oh that’s right, how could we forget?
If you’ve never prayed the Examen, give it a try. I think you’ll find that it’s a perfect way to either start or end your day. Or, do it over lunch. Find a time and location that works for you. If it does nothing else, I hope it reminds you to count your blessings.
The Daily Examen of St. Ignatius
Be Present to God
Remember that no matter where you are, God is with you.
Give Thanks
Spend a few moments reflecting on all that you are grateful for, and tell God “thank you.”
Review Your Day
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you retrace the steps of your day- where can you find God moving?
Talk with God
Share with God both the good moments of the day and those times which weren’t so good, especially anything you feel sorry for. Ask God for forgiveness where you need it.
Look Toward Tomorrow
Ask God to help you be your best self as you look forward to the day to come.
