A few days ago, I was blessed to view a spectacular dawn. The early blue-gray darkness of morning gave way to sunlight’s awakening canvas of red, orange, yellow, rose cloud reflections. Trees and homes appeared in the soft, tinted glow of pastel light. For a few moments, everything offered a luminescent insight. Quite beautiful!
As we anticipate the Lenten season, we may start thinking about how we want Lent to be for our families. How do we want to celebrate God’s redemptive love for us? What insights await? How can we be open to the light God wants us to see, to let light dawn on us?
This penitential season helps us focus on repentance, the grace of conversion, and how it infuses our living. How can we follow the Lord more closely?
Almost forty years ago, I was lecturing one of our children about responsibilities. I think she was about six years old. I have no memory of what prompted the coaching. I was talking on and on, and finally, she interrupted and asked me why was I being mean. Hmmm. I stopped talking, started thinking, and listening. I am still learning from her words. I could have done better with my responsibilities. It dawned on me that at some point, I stopped being helpful.
Sometimes the greater love is to stop talking, start thinking – and to listen.
Quiet, Reflection, Listening.
Lent is a solemn time to repent of our shortcomings. I think it is also a time to let love’s possibilities dawn on us in light of God’s loving mercy.
The world can be a mean place. Our faith compels us to make it better, more loving, just, truthful, forgiving, all that the Lord asks of us. It is our mission to overcome evil with good and to witness His healing presence. Good News!
I think conversion can happen in an instant. I also think it is a way of living, a posture in life we bring with us – by following the Lord. Lent is the perfect season to refocus on His light, His way.
“At dawn let me hear of your kindness, for in you I trust.
Show me the path I should walk, for to you I entrust my life.”
(Psalm 143:8)
How will you in your families let the Lord guide your Lent? How will you be open to what dawn may illumine?