Braving The Waters

Yesterday (Ash Wednesday) marked the beginning of Lent, a season that calls us to return again to God. It is a season that bids us seek repentance from our sinful nature.   Lent is a season that begs us to grow in our faith. The 40 days of Lent are a season of searching the depths of our spirit and soul to mend the brokenness in our relationships; with one another and with God. This Season, Mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Find the time. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude. Say a prayer. Welcome a stranger. Gladd

No this is not a tribute to NASCAR Racing, which I know started the beginning of February sometime but I still can’t get into. (That is another blog for another time I suppose!) Have you ever gotten in your vehicle, turned the key, and have NOTHING happen? When I say NOTHING I mean-NOTHING- no turn over, no clicking, NOTHING!   I guess it happens (even with routine maintenance) that the starter stops working! When the starter doesn’t work-nothing else does either. Here are a few questions for you to ponder- Is the “starter” out in your faith? Does it seem like you can never figure out what is wrong or why things happen the way they do? Do you want to scream “How can this be happening?” more than “Thank you God for the blessings in my life!!”? Do you want to start your spiritual engine (so to speak)? ************************ If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can’t promise quick fixes or miracle cures but I can offer the following reflection from my own life when I answ