Today I Profess Simple Vows

This morning I look out the window, wondering if rain on the day I take vows is either good or bad luck. While something so important is about more than luck and weather conditions, it's a unique feeling to capstone a long journey with the simplicity of the rain.

In 3 hours I will stand before my Provincial Minister, surrounded by friends, family, and friars of my Order, as I profess my vows for a period of one year. A lot of people have asked me if I'm nervous, if I'm thinking about backing out; people talk to me as if I were the bridegroom.

In all honesty I'm not nervous. I don't feel worried or anxious. I've spent many years getting to this point - many nights in front of this screen documenting my thoughts, experiences, and feelings on how I want to live my life. I've challenged myself to face my fears, I've been brave enough to look at who I really am, and I've learned to deal with the praises and the criticisms of others. While I don't claim my journey to be without it's pitfalls, (there's a reason I named this blog Stumbling After Francis instead of Following Perfectly After Francis), my life has been filled with a grace that I've needed in my life - a grace I've been happy to share with others.

So today is the culmination of this journey. It is not the end, rather an important waypoint on a journey that must continue - a journey with many more waypoints to go.

I'll have pictures later today.

Thank you for all your prayers.