Suffering and Senioritis

Is "meh" an adjective? Probably not. But I've been feeling very meh lately. Perhaps it's partly because November is one of those months associated with what I just can't seem to forget. But I'll save that for my memoirs, in about 35 years or so. Anywho, health problems, senioritis, stress and what seems to be inevitable sleep deprivation, are all summed up in one almost non-existant word: meh. My Providential woes are not uncommon, and they too shall pass. But what are we to do in times of tribulations? Stay where we are and hope for the best, or get out to improve the situation? I'll let you know when I figure it out. Until then, I'll be beginning a novena to St. Maximilian Kolbe, because Lord knows I need heavenly intercession. Besides choking on incense during benediction and fresh holy water fonts, that's one of the many things I love about being Catholic. Even when we hit the wall, or cry alone in a fetal position until our eyes are painfully swollen, we are not alone. Better yet, we are never alone. Not with the multitude of angels and saints praying and cheering for us on this rocky road home, aka Heaven. 

There's also nothing to fear with Divine Providence (which is always perfection) in control. The difficult situations are the ones that can be the most purifying and strengthening, but only if we let them. They either make us or break us. Even when we want to give up or give in, difficult circumstances offer a priceless source of edification. Many a virtue has been born through tough times, the saints can attest to that. We're not going to be tested or tempted beyond our threshold, so we might as well come out stronger, and look back at woeful instances as times of strengthening and growth. It's either that or allow our souls to wither away in a corner, as the chalice of albeit painful yet sweet purification is wasted. Contrary to what the world says, sometimes we need to suffer in order to grow. Again, take a look at the saints. There's not one who didn't suffer. When accepted gracefully and with great love, suffering is a recipe for sainthood. For proof and holy examples, read the lives of St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Maria Goretti, or Bl. Chiara Badano. Suffering is sanctifying, so in order to be sanctified, we must suffer.

I don't know exactly when I'll move past this period of feeling mehish, but if it wasn't beneficial to my soul, then it wouldn't be happening. That's my sole comfort. At the end of the day, Divine Providence is still amazingly awesome and absolutely perfect, even in the hours of suffering. St. Maximilian Kolbe, ora pro nobis.

How's that for No-Shave November?

"For Jesus Christ I am prepared to suffer still more." -St. Maximilian Kolbe