five books

Five books that I was glad I read (in no particular order).

1. Cat's Eye--Margaret Atwood

2. Riddley Walker--Russell Hoban

3. The Phantom Tollbooth--Norton Juster

4. First They Killed My Father--Loung Ung

5. A Prayer for Owen Meany--John Irving

books and music--what would the world be like without them?

Saturday Morinig

This is my study retreat weekend. We do this once a month as part of our diaconate formation. This weekend we we are studying and reflecting on the gospel of John. There are two weekends left after this, and the year is over. After that, one more year and I'm done.

I actually should be praying the liturgy of the hours about now, but I left the retreat center at 6 am to take care of a little issue at work. I am waiting for an orientee and preceptor to finish their shift so I can meet with them. I should be back at the retreat center by breakfast. it is so nice to have a place of peace and solitude 15 minutes from where I work.

Usually one of the great things about these weekend retreats is the separation from the daily routine of my life. No newspaper, no tv or radio, no computer. A chance to stop and reflect after the almost constant flow of information that assaults me every day.

I am leading peace prayer on Sunday morning for my retreat group. I will play guitar publicly for the first time since I was in grade school. I'm not very good, but music just seems to express how I feel better than words.