This past weekend, I spent time with a group of young people eager to seek the Lord at the National shrine of Mary in Subukia, Nakuru County.
I have been to this shrine before so my mind knew what to expect and my body also had an experience at the shrine some years back. So it is safe to say that I did not have the usual anxiety that comes with being in unfamiliar surroundings.
For anyone with MD, whose biggest fear is falling and hurting yourself, anxiety can really weigh you down if you don't have it under control. I was last there for years ago and going up those steps was among the challenges I had set my mind at conquering.
We were explained to the concept behind the shrine by the catechist who is proud to have three of his children in the service of the church. Going up the steps, I severally asked myself what I was doing but a short break to relax the muscles allowed me to go just beyond the 6th station before the darkness interrupted :). Well, you'd think that making it up the steps was the hardest part but with my legs trembling while descending the steps, the journey down was equally tough. Am happy to say that that went without as much as a trip. Day one was successfully down. There was celebration of the eucharist later in the night after dinner and a talk to close the day.
Sunday started on a high note as we left at 6:30 a.m to the pillars of peace which was a sight to behold.
We then made our way to a cross which was on top of a hill. Instead of going all the way round after leaving the pillars we decided to approach the cross directly from the bottom of the hill which at some point looked a bit too ambitious for me.
Almost an hour and one Rosary, later we were all at the foot of the cross and i was grateful to the entire team for their patience.
At the end of it all, i was very glad that I did not go easy on myself and I got to have a complete experience same as everyone else. I surely will be doing this more often.
LESSONS:
I have been to this shrine before so my mind knew what to expect and my body also had an experience at the shrine some years back. So it is safe to say that I did not have the usual anxiety that comes with being in unfamiliar surroundings.
For anyone with MD, whose biggest fear is falling and hurting yourself, anxiety can really weigh you down if you don't have it under control. I was last there for years ago and going up those steps was among the challenges I had set my mind at conquering.
We were explained to the concept behind the shrine by the catechist who is proud to have three of his children in the service of the church. Going up the steps, I severally asked myself what I was doing but a short break to relax the muscles allowed me to go just beyond the 6th station before the darkness interrupted :). Well, you'd think that making it up the steps was the hardest part but with my legs trembling while descending the steps, the journey down was equally tough. Am happy to say that that went without as much as a trip. Day one was successfully down. There was celebration of the eucharist later in the night after dinner and a talk to close the day.
Sunday started on a high note as we left at 6:30 a.m to the pillars of peace which was a sight to behold.
We then made our way to a cross which was on top of a hill. Instead of going all the way round after leaving the pillars we decided to approach the cross directly from the bottom of the hill which at some point looked a bit too ambitious for me.
Almost an hour and one Rosary, later we were all at the foot of the cross and i was grateful to the entire team for their patience.
At the end of it all, i was very glad that I did not go easy on myself and I got to have a complete experience same as everyone else. I surely will be doing this more often.
LESSONS:
- Gauge your body to know how far your can push yourself without causing damage.
- When the going( literally) gets tough, take a break then continue but don't give up.
- Our friends and families love us so much that they will let us remain in our comfort zones, push yourself out of that and they will support your decision all the way.
- Get enough rest to ensure you have strength to face the next day.
- We always have choices, make the right one.
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