THE WAY #14

"Don't waste your time and your energy — which belong to God — throwing stones at the dogs that bark at you on your way. Ignore them."

St. Josemaria gave a meditation called "Time is a Treasure". We have constant opportunities to be efficient and work hard. We also have more opportunities to waste time. Won't it be interesting at the end of our lives when we should account for the time we have been given?

I think that God wants us to love more. Did I spread love today? Make that phone call? Serve that special dessert? Did I waste my time worring about something that I can't do anything about?

THE WAY #13

"Get rid of those useless thoughts which, at best, are but a waste of time."

Why is it that we sometimes let our imagination run wild? We imagine conversations that we never had, difficulties that probably won't happen, things people said years ago... Imagine how much time is wasted and how much harm is done by useless thoughts. Wouldn't it be better to read, exercise or pray?

THE WAY #12

"Let those very obstacles give you strength. God's grace will not fail you: 'Inter medium montium pertransibunt aquae! You shall pass through the mountains!'

Does it matter that you have to curtail your activity for the moment if afterwards, like a spring which has been compressed, you will reach incomparably farther than you ever dreamed?"

This point in the way helped me through nine pregnancies. It isn't easy to detach yourself from your own strength and vitality. I think of that often as I get older. Sometimes I need to ask for help. Hopefully, I remember to ask God.

THE WAY #11

"Will-power. Energy. Example. What has to be done, is done... without hesitation, without more worrying. Otherwise, Teresa of Avila would not have been Saint Teresa: nor Iñigo of Loyola, Saint Ignatius. God and daring! 'We want Christ to reign!'"

I love St. Teresa. I've been reading a book about her. She was my age when she was traveling through Spain opening convents. All I have to do is help organize a wedding. The wedding is six weeks away and will be a joyful celebration of love. We need to put people before things and God above it all.