Lent Day #31

Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30.

I guess I speak to Jesus everyday as if he were a contemporary. And he is. He has gone through everything imaginable. Therefore, he can assist me in all of my problems, worries, concerns, trials and tribulations.

Today's reflection talks about gossip and worrying about what others say about us. Yes, on one hand I want people to like and respect me for who I am. On the other hand, I try very hard to be me and say "they'll have to like me for me!" But, who am I kidding. I am a very sensitive person. If someone has a wrong idea about me, I fight it. If someone has slandered my name, I find the truth. I DO want to be well-liked and popular.

I have done some pretty crazy and outrageous things to gain someone's love or attention. I've spent a lot of money trying to "win over friends." At the time, I did not realize it. Looking back, whew! However, I was just trying to fit in and treat my friends or help my friends in need. It's a vicious circle. Sometimes those we help take advantage of us. I try very hard to turn the other cheek and continue giving and helping regardless of how many times I have been taken advantage of. But it hurts. You don't know if someone likes you for you or because you can drive them around, or pay for their drinks, or give them a loan, or whatever!

That's when I call on Jesus. Because, frankly, everything has been done to him. He has been used, abused, scorned, tortured, slandered, teased for who he hung with... He kept on the straight and narrow and did not let what anyone said about him or who he kept company with (tax collectors, fishermen, prostitutes) bother him.

I've done very well at work. Today was a bit dicey, a bit unorganized. However, I thank you for helping me let it roll off of my shoulders. Letting me just take one minute at a time. That's all we can do. I have a lot of worries and when I offer them up to you, I have this calm overtake me. Others have noticed a change. I like the change. We have laughed a lot more at work lately. It's not worth getting upset over something out of your control. It's not worth getting tense over a problem that someone else caused. All I can do is my best. And, we have laughed and worked in such syncronicity, having you as my auto pilot, Jesus, has made the difference this week!

Now, I am offering up getting home in this winter storm....safely....and being able to get into my driveway. Normally, I would be tense. But not tonight. I do believe you are sitting in the passenger seat as I make my trek home!

Yes, safe and sound all locked up. I could not have done it without you!