#106: Lent Reflections - Week Six - EASTER

Lesson - Watch out for hollow Easter bunnies.

This final week of Lent has continued to open my eyes to setting priorities.

I kept my gym appointments, even with our busy schedules and other commitments. We replaced our dishwasher, even though I really want to buy a couch. It's all about priorities...

I hope you go to church and can feel like the pastor is talking directly to you. It is an amazing feeling. I don't get it every week...but usually if I can calm my heart and really ask for God to show me how I can learn, I will hear it...today it was crystal clear. I went to the outdoor sunrise service (6:15am) with a neighbor/friend and it was a perfect morning. Crisp but not cold. The music was beautiful. I think I'm safe to estimate that there were hundreds of people there to hear the good news that HE IS RISEN. I've heard this message many times and in many ways...but I specifically asked God to show me what He needed me to learn to carry forward as my Lent journey came to a close...and He did!

The homily today was about a hollow Easter bunny. As Father David started, I couldn't help but ask my friend - "are you serious?" She knows that I've been on a personal journey to rededicate myself physically, emotionally and spiritually during Lent and I couldn't believe how perfect this message was as the finale. He explained that we need to seek what's above and stop reaching for the hollow Easter bunnies. Stop reaching for the fat, sugar and empty calories that may taste good for the instant - but will only leaving you wanting more. He went beyond the obvious to layer on all of the external "things" that motivate us - furniture (have I mentioned how bad I've been wanting a new couch for our activity room), clothes, unused exercise equipment, toys, etc. My mind was racing with examples of my hollow Easter bunnies...all of the things I WANT...none of which I NEED. We must focus and make decisions based on priorities that are centered on our life with Christ. We must learn that external motivators only make us more hungry and that the only thing that can leave us feeling full of peace is God and his ultimate sacrifice for our sins...thereby making the ultimate promise of everlasting life.

So, as we move forward from this Lent season, may we remember our lessons and continue to build each other up. May we express our love. May we not fear our future. May we set priorities with our faith in mind and may we always be on the lookout for hollow Easter bunnies...

Happy Easter Kiddos!!!

I love you.

Mom

PS: for what it matters - I prefer solid chocolate Easter bunnies anywas! ;)

#105: Lent Reflections - Week Five

Lesson: Listen and He will provide answers.

I've often wondered if what I'm doing is right. Not like what I'm doing is bad, I'm a decent person...but is it right. Am I following the correct path. I find myself wishing it were as easy as putting on my God headphones whenever I needed a recharge, but this week I learned that it IS! We just need to learn to listen and answers are everywhere. This week I listened and He told me in so many ways that I'm going the right way.

I'll share one: I just joined the gym and signed up for a personal trainer. I made a 12-month commitment and it took me weeks to sign the papers. I've been contemplating this move for years - but since I kept having babies it was never the right time. Well, now I know it is the right time. I believe God puts people in our lives at exactly the moments we need the most - we just have to be willing to listen.

I made my way to the gym for my first Zumba class since going on this new path and as I was waiting for the class to begin a woman came up and started talking to me. She was so sincere with her words - and for those that know me, you know this is all it takes for me to make a friend...and so I did. She asked if it was okay for her to tell me something and I quickly said yes. She went on to tell me the following..."I'm 71. Don't wait until your 60s to love yourself. You are here. You have started. You must continue. You are the ONLY one that can love you as much as you need to be loved." and then she continued..."well, except for God...but he can only love you if you love yourself and he wants to love you!" I had to pick up my chin from the ground. Thank you God for continuing to send messages of your love for me and acknowledging my choice to love myself. She said one other thing that was beautiful - "human souls are fragile. If you see someone that you feel compelled to talk to or to share your story with, DO IT. Don't wait. We just never know."

This Lent season has been packed with learning to be gentile, health scares, big decisions, finding myself, asking for help, loving myself and most importantly listening.

I hope you will always be listening. Allow yourself to be still. Allow yourself to feel. Allow yourself to help others by helping yourself. Allow yourself to fail and be gentile as you get back up. Allow yourself to LOVE yourself. Allow yourself to hear God's answers.