As long as I’m full of angst and indecision, why not bring it here again?
Next week, we need to turn in our forms for confirmation. On it, we need to write our confirmation name. And, darn it — I’m torn.
I started by researching saints. I narrowed the field to a few, and decided to think on it. We had to dress up for All Saints Day and tell about the saint we dressed up as. I dressed up as Saint Martha and read this essay: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=79. I was moved by this essay — it really spoke to me.
During an RCIA session, Father suggested (as an example) that I might consider St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, since she was also an Episcopalian who converted to Catholicism as an adult. In addition to that, she was also a mother, and in education. This *did* seem perfect. And, really — Elizabeth is a nice name. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton can be read about here: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=180. (My Mom also commented that she thought Elizabeth was a MUCH better name than Martha. And, really, I’m a Mom pleaser.)
So, I decided on Elizabeth. But, now as the time nears to make it official on paper, I am having some inner conflict — should it be Elizabeth or should it be Martha. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was a great woman and she and I *do* have several things in common. But, St. Martha seems to be a kindred spirit. I also find myself often putting my own busy life in the way of God. I truly am the one who is so busy with preparations that I sometimes am the one in the kitchen hoping to please everyone with my hospitality.
And, so — darn it…it’s going to be a long week of thinking.
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4 comments:
Eric said…
Don’t be a “Mom” pleaser on this one Ang… I have always felt since I read about Martha that it really speaks to you. You are kindred spirits and I think that she will be a good reminder to you that sometimes you really do need to slow down and take care of yourself and take the time to listen to what God has to say. I know we always say when you are doing to much that it is “because I’m Angie – that’s what I do” maybe this would be how Martha would describe herself if she was here today too. Just my thoughts…
Love Tate
February 22, 2007 6:12 PM
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Rosemary Bogdan said…
I have always prayed to Saint Martha when people are coming over, when we’re having a family party, or planning some kind of event. I know she understands. And I feel she was probably very good at putting on parties and making people feel welcome. I’ts comforting that, although the Lord corrected her, she is still a saint. I imagine she was a very loving woman who maybe overdid things a little. I’ve always liked her. I will pray you choose the right patron.
February 22, 2007 10:46 PM
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Angie said…
Thank you for the prayers, Rosemary! I am very touched by your posting.
February 23, 2007 12:53 AM
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Matilda said…
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is a great saint, absolutely. But right now, it sounds like you have a case of the “I shoulds”. I have made the mistake of choosing many saints to be “friends” with because I thought I should choose that saint for one reason or another. I have yet to find a saint that I really identify with (even though I would dearly love to). If you have found that special saint, the one that you can connect with and relate to, hold on the her!
By the way, it seems to me that St. Martha was particularly concerned with what she and everyone else “should” be doing. Thanks for stopping by my blog and congratulations on your journey!
Matilda— a fellow “should-er”
February 23, 2007 2:53 PM