Thank you for relating that wonderful prayer! It spoke to me where I am in my life in a way that can only be described as inspired.

Father Martin, when my wife and I were preparing to be married, my pastor gave us a piece of sage advice. In order to remain connected as a couple, we should make sure we went on at least two dates every month. The did not have to be fancy or expensive. The first was to be romantic. Make it fun, make it exciting. Make it something that would remind us why we fell in love in the first place.

The second date was what he called the Ed Koch date. It was where we were to honestly ask (and answer) the question, "How am I doing?" It was in that environment that we should address all the little pesky things that inevitably come up.

I have to admit, that we have not always found the time to do that, but I have always held that nugget of advice close to heart. And, since we are about to celebrate ten years of married life, we must be doing something right!

Do you have any thoughts on how one could integrate that process into his or her spiritual life?
Joe | Homepage | 06.06.08 - 9:38 am | #

Fr. Martin, thanks. I have read the Barry and Connelly book--I'm in a Franciscan spiritual direction training program and it was the second book we read. I'm just finding directed Ignatian **retreats** very hard to come by (they are there, but all full for months), so I appreciate the prayer and encouragement. God calling me to do spiritual direction is further proof that God is also ironic.
The Ironic Catholic | Homepage | 06.06.08 - 12:00 pm | #