Lent 2012.
God sure has an indescribable way of drawing us in, challenging us and molding us into better people. So far, our Lenten journeys have been difficult, yet downright good for our spiritual lives. With Mark traveling often, and the two girls growing and changing it has been exhausting to (try to) keep up. But we have been working hard to attend mass each weekend and uphold our lenten commitments daily, which has allowed and enabled more God space in our minds and days (a very good thing). It has also been beautiful to share more of our faith with Ruthie, as she is now old enough to reason and understand a greater amount than she has in the past, this has brought about some unique discussions and a reminder of what a childlike faith looks like. We are grateful for the ways that parenting has impacted our faith journeys. The words below were shared at a recent church meeting, I thought it'd be nice to share... Also, this photo was snaped of Ruthie while she eagerly awaited our snowy walk to church last Sunday!
A Special Lenten Fast
Give up harsh words: use generous ones.
Give up unhappiness: take up gratitude.
Give up anger: take up gentleness and patience.
Give up pessimism: take up hope and optimism.
Give up worrying: take up trust in God.
Give up complaining: value what you have.
Give up stress: take up prayer.
Give up judging others: discover Jesus within them.
Give up sorrow and bitterness: fill your heart with joy.
Give up selfishness: take up compassion for others.
Give up being unforgiving: learn reconciliation.
Give up words: fill yourself with silence, and listen to others.
Anonymous, Latin America
1 comment:
Enjoyed reading your comments and the poem you shared about Lent and am thrilled you are engaging Ruth in conversations. Childlike faith is so precious--and exactly what the Lord desires of each of us.
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