Thursday, February 7, 2008

Lent day #2

Amazingly, I made it through day #1 unscathed. Actually, a tremendous start. First of all, I found it was not difficult at all to fast for over 24 hours. Ironically, my first entry talked about clearing the clutter yet I was so busy on Ash Wednesday that I did not even have time to think about eating. Lesson learned: when we dwell on something, it becomes an obsession. When we do not ever think about it, no problem. Focussing on my obligations, attending Ash Wednesday Mass with Mom and singing the Children's Mass THEN going to work, I did not eat one item for over 24 hours (except water). Now, if I can only convince myself to do that every day, maybe I will fit into a slimming dress for my niece's wedding!

There were many small miracles during day #1. Raising my voice to God was a gift in itself. Seeing our pastor, who had been in the hospital having surgery, sitting on the altar again was filled with emotion. His homily brought goose bumps. I have to remember to get a copy so I can share some of his thoughts. Then hearing the elementary kids speak so kindly to my Mother, who used to be the Parish Secretary. She had been ill for a while but is making a remarkable comeback. The kids were overjoyed to see her at Mass, reminded her that they made cards for her and told her they loved her. That sequence of events makes you realize there IS a God and he does listen and love us.

Day 2 focuses on what we can cut out of our busy, daily lives OR what we can add. The readings for today are Dt 30:15-20; Lk 9:22-25. Hopefully we can all take a few moments to reflect on these readings or just close our eyes for a few moments and block out the chaos of the day.

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