I had a colt last year with a hernia. I took her to the vet in Lemmon and we got her sewed up. Well about a week later her stitches must have broke and I finally got around to the vet...again. There is a lot that I could talk about in this. We like this filly colt are all in need of the Divine vet to heal us and make us whole. The operation was like going to Confession where the vet literally sewed up her wounds. The vet's assistant placed blankets under her head when she was out on the ground and a blanket over her eye so she could rest easy, this is like Mary's aid to help her Son in our everyday lives. I could talk about all of that. But what struck me right away was the preparation.
We didn't do the operation in the clinic area, we migrated down to the horse barn. So the vet and his assistant had to make sure they had everything so as to not make multiple trips. Retro and I watched as they packed two to three boxes worth of medical supplies. And then it happened. The vet and her looked at the boxes they had packed and went through the procedure step-by-step. When they came to a step where they had no supplies, they'd pause on that part and get what they needed.
This preparation struck me as a similar resemblance to morning prayer. I'm sure it takes a humble man to know that he doesn't have the right stuff to get through the day, so he walks through it step by step before he takes off. The vet was humble enough to know that he needs that preparation or the whole operation could be compromised. Why should we as men be any different? It is not weak to acknowledge the need of help throughout the day. It just makes good sense. Walk through your day with God. If we are striving for our ultimate goal of heaven and we are struggling with particular sins it is necessary we plan ahead.
St. Francis De Sales in his book Introduction to the Devout Life lays out a simple form of morning offering.
1. Thank God. Thank Him you woke up! Did you know we take part in the Resurrection of Jesus every time we wake up? Rise with Him and be thankful you still have time.
2. Acknowledge that God gave you this day to work towards eternity. We do not stand still in our faith, we are with going towards God or away from God. Promise God you'll head towards Him today.
3. Walk through your day with the Lord. First look for the road blocks that are going to keep your from serving Christ today. (We are branding some calves today, I for see some temptations to get angry at cows, people, etc...) Make a resolution to avoid all these temptations that offend God. Then don't just give him lip service, come up with a plan. If there are people that provoke me to anger today I plan on smiling and only saying kind things to them. Or if the cattle aren't working well instead of cussing at them ask Mary and all the angels to move them!
4. Next take your heart into your hands and hold it out for Jesus to see. Confess that you alone have no ability to pursue good or avoid evil. Ask for Jesus to assist you. I often see my small heart, maybe cold to the touch, barely pulsing and then I see Jesus take it in his left and then with his right hand puts His Sacred Heart inside of me so that all I do his for His glory.
Now like the Doc, you're ready to head out the door. Know that all you do is for the Lord, so take some time and prepare for your day. You will be battling demons that are fighting for your soul, why would you go into battle without a weapon? Offer everyday to Christ, ask for his Mother's aide. Ever pray a rosary? Try it, St. Padre Pio said "It's the weapon of our time" the demons flee at the very sound of Her name. REAL MEN PRAY.
Peace Brothers.
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