Make Space ~ Take Time

Here we are again - Ash Wednesday. How many Ash Wednesdays have you experienced? How have you grown closer to God in the process? As moms we try to instill our Christian values into our children. Hopefully today we will find special time to spend with our children discussing their plans for this Lent and sharing with them our plans. It's important that your children know you are on a journey with God. Tell them. And as the days unfold, show them.

Last night I attended a Mardi Gras celebration at our church. Our pastor suggested we place our little half sheet of paper with our Lenten goals right on our refrigerators for all to see to help hold us accountable. I'm not sure if I'm going to be that open. But maybe you are ready to be.

In today's retreat we are encouraged to enter this season with our "head up and eyes forward." I think this is a stretch for moms. Our heads are usually down and though we keep our eyes forward, many of us only forward to the next chore. So maybe we could work on this together.

More wise words from my pastor, my friend: "Make space. Take time." Do it! Do it for you. If it's only five minutes a day, go somewhere where you have established is your private space in which you will be talking to God. I sound adamant on this point because although I have listened to these particularly wise words for over a year now I still have not carved out my own space.

Just a few minutes ago here I was writing to you, when in walks husband oblivious to my concentrating face and moving fingers, "Will you make me some eggs?"

"Only if I can throw them at you when they're done!" Words merely thought, not voiced. And this is Ash Wednesday when hopes are fresh and fervent! Oh well. So make that space. Carve out the time. Do whatever you must do to stay sane and get closer to God.

I love the title, "O God of second chances." And thirds and fourths and fifths...

Keep us moms always in the palms of your big, strong hands, God.

~ Maureen :)
2/25 Ash Wednesday