Susan's Bureaucratic Novena - Day One

I’m back at work. It feels kind of strange … I’ve been on vacation for 2 ½ weeks. Someone else is sitting in my cubicle of many years and pretty much doing my job. I’m back in a forgotten corner of the office, using an ancient computer and without a phone. Luckily I left myself some notes about what it is I’m supposed to be doing these last days. Basically I need to work on documentation, but I’m feeling a bit like a fish out of water truth be told.

All in all I’ve got 9 days of work left (if you count today). My Sister/Mentor type person pointed out that makes it a kind of Novena. Adding to the theme, Lisa commented the other day: “I think it's an awesome idea to experience and pray the days as a novena, both of thanksgiving and preparation.” So I thought I’d take a few moments on my lunch break here to do just that for Day One of Susan’s Bureaucratic Novena.

Loving God. Thank you for the twists and turns of life, especially those that led me to my almost 11 years as a public servant. At times it may have seemed like I was endlessly pushing paper and creating red tape. But if I look closely, I can see your hand at work in wonderful ways. I have learned so much here, and I know that I will have countless opportunities to apply these skills in my great unkown future. Bless this office and the people who work here and those who they serve. Amen.