Rejuvenation

Just a word on cheerfulness. Often times, I think this is an undervalued virtue. That is especially apparent in the Washington, D.C. area where people get ahead by identifying their opponents' weaknesses and exploiting them. An unfortunate system indeed.

Recently, someone directed a snide comment, about my being mushy/gushy about my engagement, at me. I, of course, was overly sensitive and felt hurt. It really bothered me. Really.

Finally, I asked myself why. Why does it matter what other people think of me? I know that this relationship is an answer to years of prayers and novenas - not just of my own, but of my roommates, my parents, family, and friends. Marriage, when understood as a vocation - something God specifically chooses one for with a specific other person - is incredibly significant. I can't help but rejoice! It's so unfortunate to me when others don't realize or want to partake in that joy.

However, that is not my problem. I didn't rest in this until I pulled out my Magnificat (a Christmas gift from the roommates) and took more time in prayer and solitude. Suddenly it dawned on me that the rest of my life may be like this: reexamining my priciples after receiving external pressure. If it's not my current joy now, it will be how to arrange the flowers later. If it's not the flowers, it will be raising children. If it's not raising children, it will be how to relate to my husband. In the end, what matters is that I am the best person I can be so that I am bringing something of value to my fiancé.

I absolutely love my Magnificat and don't know how I ever lived without it!