Day 31: Effort Well Spent

What did I learn today?  

There is so much information in the world today and we have relatively easy access to gather information about almost any topic by reading a book, conducting a Google search, watching a YouTube video, you name it.  It is harder, though, to find the time to actually sit down and learn about a new topic, a new language, or a new skill.  How do I slow down and take the time to learn something new?

After some reflection last year, I decided that I would take the time to enhance my prayer life and my relationship with God by listening to the Bible in a Year podcast that Fr. Mike Schmitz began in 2021.  In the podcast, Fr. Mike guides people through the entire Bible in 365 days, reading several scripture passages each day, along with a reflection and a prayer.  For 2023, Fr. Mike is also hosting a new podcast, Catechism in a Year, in which he is guiding the listeners through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in one year, with readings, reflections, and prayers.  I thought that these two podcasts would be good companions so I started to listen to them both beginning January 1, 2023.  

I have read the Bible before and have read good portions of the Catechism, but I am astounded every day by what I am learning through these two podcasts.  Fr. Mike is an engaging and knowledgeable host, and the insights and the background that he provides really make the Bible come alive.  Although it has been a time commitment to listen to these podcasts and take notes daily, I look forward to the time spent in meeting God in His Word.  I am learning more and more about Salvation History and the scriptural basis for my faith through these podcasts.  I am so grateful to Fr. Mike and those that produce these podcasts for all of their work and efforts that are helping me learn something new each day, which in turn is helping me deepen my prayer and spiritual life, and ultimately deepen my relationship with God.  

How am I open to learning something new each day?  

Thank you, God, for allowing me the opportunity to meet you each day in Your Word.  May I always seek to learn and grow more in my faith each and every day.   Authentically Yours.