Rule of life

[Tim]

Sometimes it's a little like a Zeno's paradox. Every time you move you decrease the distance by one half. That's you never seem to gget there.
The sign of the Cross is prayer and it could be the beginning of your day until you are ready for more. Or a simple prayer like the Sisters taught us like, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus all for Thee, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. And it could be the first step to regularizing your routine. Sometimes you have to out fox your inclinations.

tim

[JayneK]

A woman took the question of having a rule of life for lay people - specifically mothers - and worked out some principles which she then wrote a book about.

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Rule-Life-Bring-Order/dp/1928832415

[per_passionem_eius]

Thanks, JayneK. Is there any advice you might give me on the particular problem I've been having?

[JayneK]

I too have health issues (lupus) which can be difficult to distinguish from sloth.  But I don't wait until I can pray perfectly before I pray.  I would never pray if I did that.  I try to pray the best that I am capable of at the time.  Sometimes the best is inattentive and distracted but I think that is better than nothing.

[per_passionem_eius]

It's just the first thing upon waking teaching that is so commonly held, in my experience, and the great grumpiness I have the moment I wake up, that's the question. If I could answer that, the rest would fall into place.

[JayneK]

It's just the first thing upon waking teaching that is so commonly held, in my experience, and the great grumpiness I have the moment I wake up, that's the question. If I could answer that, the rest would fall into place.

My advice is pray grumpily if that is the best you can do.  And ask for help to pray better.  Sometimes this sort of thing is an exercise in humility.

[per_passionem_eius]

OK, I'll do that, for the sake of obedience! It sounds more reasonable than what I've been doing - making myself presentable, so to speak. Thanks.

[per_passionem_eius]

I too have health issues (lupus) which can be difficult to distinguish from sloth. 

How do you distinguish them, if you don't mind me asking? The only way I know is by trying to establish some good work as a habit, and then trying to acquire more good habits over time, and accuse myself of sloth if I don't progress, taking into account my declining health, of course. But how much allowance should be made for something like lupus, not to mention aging? I think prudence requires that some allowance be made, but when does prudence become sloth?

[JayneK]

I too have health issues (lupus) which can be difficult to distinguish from sloth. 

How do you distinguish them, if you don't mind me asking? The only way I know is by trying to establish some good work as a habit, and then trying to acquire more good habits over time, and accuse myself of sloth if I don't progress, taking into account my declining health, of course. But how much allowance should be made for something like lupus, not to mention aging? I think prudence requires that some allowance be made, but when does prudence become sloth?

It is really hard to distinguish them and I don't trust myself to do it.  For this sort of thing I ask advice form my husband or spiritual director.  If I had a close Catholic friend, I would ask her.

[Tim]

I believe Jayne and I are saying similar things. The first is resolve to pray, and the grace to do better will come. Stop being srupulous. The apnea has diminished by cognizance. Some times in the morning I'll be reciting the Office and all of a sudden I don't know where I am in the Office. Or as I've done before be reciting the psalms from Vespers for the ones for Lauds. I say forgive me Lord, become embarassed and get to where I should be. Actually it's a blessing cause it keeps me humble.

tim