Monday, April 22, 2013

Hope for the Dry Times


'One single act done with dryness of spirit
is worth more than many done with sensible devotion.' 

St. Francis de Sales



Painting: Joseph Stieler, Anna Hillmayer 1829

7 comments:

  1. This is such an encouraging quote for those of us prone to desert wandering, Nancy. And, the picture is so beautiful - I'd love to be able to paint like that!

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    1. Vicky, I think your painting is wonderful... but you probably know I do. And I, too, take encouragement from these words. Thank you!

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  2. Thanks, Colleen. I'm sure it's no secret that I'm a HUGE admirer of St. Francis de Sales... so often he brings me hope or encouragement or challenge.

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  3. Nancy,

    Oh, yes! How difficult it is to act when a dryness of spirit descends. I have enormous trouble. If I could do that one single act regardless, how valuable that would be!

    I also love the painting. She has such a gentle look on her face. Obviously she is a woman known for her piety.

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    1. I've been thinking of doing a post on starting with one single act of devotion. It has been helping me a lot lately to just "start where I can" (a bit of advice that has helped me ever since a spiritual director told me to do so 15 years ago). Sometimes I am inspired to pray longer and more intensely, sometimes not... but at least I've made the start! Thank you, Sue.

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  4. Amen to that. It's good to remember that God knows and appreciates our effort even when we don't "feel" it.

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    1. Yes, I'm so glad to remember that too! Thank you.

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