Tomorrow is the first day of 2010. Much of the world will be celebrating and partying this evening as they ring in the New Year. Not so much in the monastery….

No, this evening will be marked with a special prayer service. We will give God thanks and praise for the blessings of what has been and give God praise and thanks for the blessings that are to come. We will also take some to renew our vows as Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. After the prayer service, the rest of the evening is quiet. Some sisters may stay up to see in the New Year but for the most part we will go to bed. Lauds (morning prayer) is at 7:30 whether we stay up or not!

2009 was a different sort of year for me. The first half of it was spent trying to learn my new role as subprioress. The second have of it was spend trying to adjust to living in Chicago. So… lots of transition. 2010 looks like it will hold more of the same.

From the outside it looks unsettling, especially for someone who has taken a vow of stability! And yet…. there is hope. I know that God will make the paths straight and that He arranges all things with wisdom. I know that He is with me no matter where I am. And I know He loves me and that He is Lord. I hope these truths will be a comfort to any who are facing a difficult year ahead. God is good.

May 2010 bring you joys and blessings untold! Happy New Year!