Blessings and Brokeness - Day 2

Today was eventful.
It felt like Christmas as an amazing friend honored me with some much needed resources... just in the knick of time. They just kept coming...and I was overwhelmed with gratitude!

It felt like heartbreak, as I grieved with other friends who lost their jobs today.

A little sweetness... and alot of bitter.

Jesus, I wonder if your journey was like that while you walked the Earth.
How I long to have a peek at one of your really good days... you know, where you laughed and maybe played a bit. I'm sure I'd be touched to see a time when the loving-kindness of one of your friends caused your heart to feel such bliss.
I know so much more about your painful times... of being mocked, scorned, judged, accused and even worse.

How often did you smile? Was your laughter like a giggle or a roar. Wow, Jesus... did you snort???
:0)

I like thinking about You... imagining You.
Focusing on You.
It really helped today... because I saw you in the beautiful moments... and I clung to you in the Brokeness.

Thanks for being YOU.
amen.

Ash Wednesday...

So, I didn't go to church anywhere and have ashes put on my forehead... but I think it's a pretty cool ritual. This t-shirt made me laugh.

In all my years, I can not say that I have actually seen anyone walking around with the ash marks still on their forehead. Weird? I wonder why not?

I'll put that on my list of things to consider next year. It might spur some good conversation, after all.

That reminds me of something I was thinking about during my prayer time this morning...

I was wondering if the way people broadcast what they are fasting took away from the depth of the season. What I came away with, is the fact that this ritual is a community effort... a communal practice. The people spoke openly about this in days long ago and I believe that it is a wonderful way to walk through rememberance together.

Once again, since I am new to Lent, I decided that just to be sure... I would keep my public proclamation of no coffee and no sugar, but I will also make a few private commitments as well.

Day 1 has proven to be interesting. My public confessions were well minded. I did not stray. However, my private ones were not as successful. I wouldn't say I failed miserably... but I did already unintentionally miss the mark.

I have no intention of chiding myself... only observing and learning. So to that, I say... I will be more mindful to ask the Holy Spirit's assistance in keeping my intentions in those areas.

Are you observing Lent this year? Have you always/ever?

If so, what does it mean to you?

I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Blessings,

Tracye