Have you said something in a habitual and automated fashion, only to realize later on how stupid you must have sounded?

It happened to me on several occasions and it almost happened again the other day, when I returned the keys to the rental car counter and the white-haired man said, "Thank you and have a safe flight!"

"I almost blurted out, 'You, too!' and realized you're not flying anywhere!" I said and laughed.

The old man laughed and said, "Who knows, I may just jump in to the next plane."

I bet that was not the first time it happened to him. On my ride to the airport terminal, I pondered on the ailment of automaticity. The things that I say or do everyday become so habitual, sometimes I do it without much thought on why I'm doing it. My body get so immersed into the routine and motion, my heart and mind are no longer in it.

"Have a good one," someone would say, and by instinct I'd reply, "You, too!"

"How you doin'?" someone would ask, and leave even before you'd get to answer.

Time in, time out, and it's just another day at work.

This is probably the reason why some work no longer fulfill the employees or why some companies lose touch with their customers' needs.

Even in my prayer life, I had to resist automaticity. When the Our Father, the rosary or the daily mass had become a routine, my body disintegrates from my heart and mind.

I had to exert an effort each time to recollect my senses and bring myself into the Holy Presence of God so He comes close to me and becomes personal. Only then does the door of my heart open to welcome Him; His Words come alive and able to touch me.

I realize that my daily routines also need such mindfulness so I don't fall into automaticity with how I deal with my spouse, children, and people I come in contact with everyday.

No wonder the "how's school?" routine question gets a routine "so-so" shrug answer. Parents nowadays seemed too busy to look into their children's eyes when they speak.

Automaticity. Personal touch. These two should not fall at the opposite ends of the spectrum.

Automatic personal touch, how about that?

When I got to the airport terminal and hopped down, the driver said, "Take care and have a safe flight."

This time I had more presence of mind to say, "You have a great day!"

PRACTICE:
When talking to someone, take the time to look him or her in the eye and give all your attention to the person. That is love at its simplest form.

Are you in a tight and oppressive predicament right now? Is there something challenging and overwhelming your faith?

Did you know you can ward off the attack of the enemy with a sword that is the Word of God?

Say this today and claim it for yourself:

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

You ask, "How?"

“I am God the Almighty. Walk in my presence and be blameless.”

Do not allow a white lie or a slight amount of deceit to infect your life. You are to live a pure life. Any small trace of the enemy will be like a tooth decay that will eventually grow big. Do not think something small will be insignificant. A bad tree will bear bad fruit. And it will perpetuate unless you cut it down. Make your heart pure and good, so it will constantly bear good fruit.”

"Wouldn't I suffer from scrupulosity, my Lord?" I asked, and He answered me.

People don't die from scrupulosity, but it can get annoying to the people around you. Suffer the scrupulosity like it would be the purifying fire burning your imperfections.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be and favored.

Although I had not willed what you did, but because you asked for my blessing, I shall bless it, but I will bless the work that I have willed for you more than this. And I keep My promises.

But see that you tell no one. Some things need to be kept hidden until you've done what is required and then you can tell people so that there is proof for the miracle and your testimony becomes reliable, trustworthy and credible.

PRAYER:
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My Lord, grant me the grace to do what I need to do to fulfill Your will. Thank You for blessing even those endeavors that sprung from my own will and initiatives. Purify my heart so that no trace of impurity will serve as a barrier from my hearing Your voice and Your will and I could obey You perfectly because the path You have prepared for me is a path of blessing and leads to an abundant and prosperous life. Anoint me that what I do and say will reverse my misfortune and make it work out in my favor. This I pray, in Your Name Jesus with the intercession of Mama Mary and all the saints and angels, Amen.