Every Day Starts Better Now

When I first retired from my full-time/secular job, I decided to kick-start the week well by attending Monday morning Mass at 8 AM. I was already used to waking early and getting a move on by 7 AM, so I thought 8 AM would be easy. I was pretty proud of myself for my good intentions. And I looked forward, after 40 years of a full-time job,  to being lazy and relaxed the rest of what formerly had been my work-week.
Then I heard about the Adult Faith Formation sessions that followed Thursday morning Mass. So – what the heck – Mondays AND Thursdays. I could do that and still feel RETIRED. I figured it wouldn’t be too challenging to get going two days a week, and the Thursday morning sessions were very interesting.

Well, I got hooked. Jesus came and got me. The next week it was 3 days a week and in a very short time it became a daily habit. Getting up and going in the morning is not just easy now, it’s necessary. That alarm goes off (sometimes I’m awake before it sounds), I get my coffee (I don’t dare interact with people without my morning coffee), I pre-read the daily scriptures, get cleaned up and I’m out the door in plenty of time to meet my Best Friend and all the other morning buddies.
It’s a special community. I don’t know everyone’s names – yet – but I notice, now, if I haven’t seen someone for a while. I say a quick prayer for a missing face. And saying “Good morning” to each other with a smile as we come in the building and waving “so long” as we leave the church – these are simple ways to feel even more connected to my spiritual family.

Every day starts better now.