What Is The Battle?

Jen at Conversion Diary asked a thoughtful question: how can we pray before battle, when everyday life has lost sight of the war?

I've spent the last year digging for answers.

Unlike analytical Jen, I run on intuition. Through the dark nights after John's birth, I kept feeling an inner nudge. Conscience, the Holy Spirit, whatever--I wasn't willing to listen.

And the nights wore on.

I did not mark the summer day when everything changed. Was I wiping (oh Lord, not another) spilled drink? Sneaking a sweet reward for afternoon survival?

I remember sinking to the floor. A cold weight filled my heart. I saw the truth of my days, and it was not beautiful.

How dare I get lost in dishes and cracker crumbs, when I am responsible for the care of these souls?

(...one of whom is screaming as I type. To be cont'd.)