NAS: Settling

No one would encourage you to "settle" in your relationships, but would you ever consider it?

Ah, the topic of settling. I am probably one of the biggest "anti-settling" advocates you will ever meet. I used to struggle with this lie that it was my fault I was single, and that maybe if I didn't have such high standards, that my life would be different. Well yea, it would be different... in a bad way.

I have been on dates with different guys over the past years that really liked me. And they were definitely ready to speed up the process and tie the knot. And they were good, Catholic men. So what was the problem? It just didn't feel right. I knew I couldn't force myself to settle just because the opportunity presented itself. There were times when I would sit there and think: I could probably marry this guy. I know he would take care of me, but would I be happy? The answer was always NO. Now, I am not throwing these guys under the bus, and I still keep in contact with them occasionally, but it just wasn't right. It wasn't in the Lord's plan for me. I felt bad that I couldn't just "like them" and move on with life, but there was just no peace. You can't force love.

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,

    do not stir up or awaken love

    until it is ready! - Song of Songs 8:4

This verse was always one that stuck out to me in these situations. As much as I wanted it to be, it wasn't my time. And now I am seeing more and more how fruitful those decisions were, and how much the Lord's plan has been coming to light in all of my waiting.

I truly believe that if we are following the Lord, and keeping in communication with Him, that He will lead our heart and its desires. So yes, have standards, but also listen to what your heart says. If you find yourself falling for a guy, and he is a good, moral man who will take care of you and cherish you, but maybe doesn't have all the checks on your 'list', maybe you just need to think about that list and what is really important. And look for peace. That is usually a good indication that you are on the right path.

I just stumbled across this blog post by Jackie Francois in my news feed. I think it was providential ;)
http://www.jackiefrancois.com/blog/the-devil-wants-you-to-settle-in-your-relationship/

You are all worth the wait :)

"Then come receive Me..."

I was in Adoration yesterday, and I was discussing  complaining to the Lord about how I haven't been feeling as passionate about my prayer and my love for Him. I know our prayer life can't be based off feelings, which is why I have been trying to push through this dry spell, but the feelings are definitely nice and helpful! Being the mental health major that I am, I was racking my brain trying to figure out the source of this, and why the passion has been sucked out of my relationship with the Lord. Not a second after I thought, Lord, I just can't figure out where this is coming from, I heard His reply in the depths of my heart:

 "Then come receive Me"  

I was floored. I couldn't believe that I hadn't realized it sooner. How can I expect there to be passion in my relationship with the Lord without the intimacy of receiving Him in the Eucharist? I went from going to daily mass at Franciscan to just going on Sundays since I have been adjusting to my full-time job for the past 3 months. It's no wonder that I have been feeling this lack. And oh, how I have been feeling it. Just as any relationship requires intimacy, our relationships with the Lord of our hearts requires the greatest intimacy. Receiving Him in the Eucharist is the most intimate encounter we can have with Him, as we receive Him into our bodies, hearts, and souls and become one with Him. Here in this place, we are vulnerable, exposed, open to having our hearts radically changed by His presence, His love, His very Being. I know everyone may be different, but I want that more than just one day a week. I want that every day of my life. I want that Love to transform me, to heal me, to live in me. Realistically there may be days where I just can't get it together, but I'm sure as heck going to get to that church as often as I can!

So without a second thought, my alarm rang at 5:40 this morning, and I pleasantly jumped out of bed, eager to attend this Heavenly banquet. Off I went at 6:20, and mass was beautiful magnificent  glorious. (As if it would be anything less!) And I even had time to go to my favorite coffee shop before hitting the road to get to work. And it's pay-day. And I'm going to the Pirate game tonight.

Thank's Lord :)