The noun, rumination, means a deep, considered thought about something.

As I am preparing this article it is Monday morning. The big news today is the first major snowstorm predicted to arrive in our area later on Monday and throughout Tuesday. In addition, the weather forecasters are warning everyone an even larger storm that may develop for the weekend of January 13-14.

As I was exercising on my treadmill and watching the news on Monday, it seemed every news reporter and weather person were talking about so many inches of snow in one location here and fewer inches in another; ice and rain here and maybe no ice there; and potentially hazardous driving conditions everywhere. Those watching TV were warned to fill windshield wiper fluid and gas tanks in cars, keep extra blankets and emergency essentials in one’s car should a person get stranded somewhere. We were warned about the need to be careful in shoveling the snow to prevent a fall or muscle injury or worse, a heart attack. All good pieces of newsworthy advice.

As I thought about it though, it occurred to me that the same approach should be taken to protect our precious souls as we are travel on our life journey. We need to prepare for the events in life that might test our faith or cause us to succumb to the devil's temptations.



We do this preparation through frequent prayer and the reception of the special graces we receive in the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist. We do this preparation by inviting God to help guide us through the storms that surface in our life journeys.

It is through this type of preparation we know we will survive. In fact, we will thrive.

We must always remember, “He leads I follow.”

May God give us this grace.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek