I can’t believe it has been over a month since my last post. Life sure gets interesting in unexpected ways.
Things calmed down enough this week for me to take a couple of days for spiritual renewal at St. Meinrad’s Archabbey in southern Indiana. I have been coming here now for eighteen years. Next to my home in Nonesuch where my heart truly is, St. Meinrads has been the place where my spirit gets fed in extraordinary ways.
In 2004 I felt led to pursue becoming an Oblate of St. Meinrads. I spent a year in the novitiate learning how to incorporate the Rule of Benedict and the daily rhythms of prayer into my life. In 2005 my novitiate was completed and my oblation was finalized. This experience opened up a new dimension in my life that I did not know was possible. I began to develop the introverted side of my personality. This has given me much greater balance in my life. Grounding my day, my interactions, my decisions, my experiences in God each day has truly transformed me and how I do ministry.
As a part of the process I was given the opportunity to enter into a relationship with one of the monastics who would serve as my spiritual director. Father Noel Mueller agreed to serve in that capacity. We have met eight to ten times per year since that time. 2010 has been less kind to us. Tellingly, five months have past since we last got together. That drought ends tomorrow morning. Father Noel has been an extraordinary blessing to my life. I could never repay him for his many kindnesses to me in the form of his listening ear, marvelous insights, willingness to speak the truth in love, and his depth of faith that just flows like a stream from him so naturally. Everyone should be so blessed to have a Father Noel in his/her life.
I arrived today around 12:15 local time just missing the noon prayers. The afternoon included two 45 minute prayer walks throughout the sprawling grounds, up and down the hilly terrain of southern Indiana. In between the walks time was spent finishing one of the three books I brought with me to read. After evening prayers and a light supper I have spent the evening in a time of reflection and more reading. I know I am truly blessed to have such an opportunity. We all need to drink deeply from the spiritual wells God provides for our well-being. I am thankful that God awakened me to St. Meinrad Archabbey and Father Noel Mueller those years ago to graciously refresh my spirit (along with countless others) along life’s way.
