Rosary Army: Free Rosary, Catholic Podcasts, and More

I am posting this musing from the beautiful patio of a resort in Central Florida. I’m here on business, traveling alone.

At first I thought that it would be terribly boring to attend a professional conference by myself. The resort is exquisite and full of many wonderful amenities that are out of reach for me because I am engaged in workshop after workshop. I could be bitter because I am doing what I am supposed to do, rather than submitting to the temptation of a spa.

Nothing could be further from the truth. I have found that my personal isolation has pushed me a bit in the direction of actively engaging in dialog with my peers, and taking workshops that both enrich and enlighten me. I hope I leave a better educator.

I’ve also benefitted from a great deal of down-time. My colleagues have gone down the street to visit The Mouse, but I have stayed at the resort, enjoying the solitude and embracing some quiet contemplation and prayer.

Too many times I look longingly at the spiritual retreat offerings near home and think I ought to make the time to go, and then allow myself to be distracted by other demands.

If nothing else, this professional retreat has driven home the point that I must make time for a real, comprehensive spiritual retreat. I need the retreat–not to get away from the material world, but to work hard on my spiritual development.

I need to be present with other like-minded persons (read: Catholic); I need to share my faith journey and hear others share their stories and experiences; I need to learn more about my faith: how to live it, understand it, embrace it.

I need the spirtual refreshment that only The Real Presence can give.