On the Dot

            “#206 The heroic minute. It’s time to get up on the dot! Without hesitation, a

supernatural thought and …up! The heroic minute; here you have a mortification

that strengthens your will and does not weaken your body.”

Last time I read Josemaria Escriva’s book “The Way”, was 8 years ago.

It was fun to look back on my 2012 self and see what I was drawn to and what inspired or moved me. Many things are still very true to me now, and yet my life looks so very different. Apparently, I haven’t changed all that much at my core!

This concept of simply getting up is huge for me, getting up is hard, giving in to the desire of the flesh for more rest is easy.

I even am a person who enjoys the quiet freshness of the mornings, and yet this is my first, and sometimes hardest struggle! I am fortunate to be experiencing gentle mornings during this season, as we’re in quarantine and my children sleep in. However, I think the “heroic minute” is even more important during this time of waiting for the new normal to hit. Arising out of bed is our first spiritual battle of the day.

What could be achieved if we started each day with obedience and mortification?

As you may be able to tell I am still contemplating this idea of getting up heroically.

The feeling of resistance first thing in the morning is a powerful force indeed.  I am highly proficient at making excuses, or “valid reasons” why I should remain in bed and rest. I think the very nature of the concept being labelled “heroic” implies that many of us struggle with getting up on the dot. It certainly is a mortification of self. From the very start of the day we must do what needs to be done, working against our fleshly desires. So, with summer upon us, will you join me in making the “heroic minute” a regular start to your day as well?