Last week, the Sunday before Lent, I went to Mass.......... No, the church was not swallowed  up because I stepped into the vestibule, Thank you! But I am covinced that's why the Northeast got the snow last night...hahahahahaha!!!  but I digress..................

During the Homily, Father Stan made reference to what Christians should give up for Lent.  What he said actually hit me like a ton of bricks and I've taken what he said to heart.

Here's a short list of what we should give  up for Lent and the list of what we need to do more of:

Give up:

Negativity, Gossip, Judgment, Self righteousness, and Pride

What we need to do more of:

Caring for our fellow man, Speaking the truth, Humility, and Forgiveness

After Mass, I sat in the pew for quite some  time really absorbing what he shared with the congregation.  Father Tom walked back into the Sanctuary and asked me if I was alright.

We then got into a conversation about Father Stan's Homily and how it had affected me.  I went on to say that forgiveness, like love must start from within in order for it to really mean anything.

"How do you figure that?", asked Father Tom

I went on to explain that in order for me to love someone, I'd first have to love myself so that I could freely give my affections, because giving love without really loving yourself isn't true love.

Same goes for forgiveness.  In order to TRULY, HONESTLY, and FULLY forgive someone, we must first forgive ourselves...for falling short of God's love (yes, ...just as any parent loves their child unconditionally, so God loves me), for having many (and in my case, I do mean many) flaws, and for expecting way too much of someone.  I could go on and on, but you catch my drift.

"So, do you forgive yourself for everything you just said?" Father Tom asked.

"Yes, Father, I do." I replied.

"Besides, God already knows I'm like Mary Poppins....practically perfect in everyway!!! ...............that's EXACTLY how He made me!!!!!"

So for Lent,  I gave up trying to be better than I already am and for following what's in my heart......and give better than I receive.

I've forgiven myself for not being Perfect...

................then again, what is the definition of perfect?  

 

 

 

You find the answer looking in the mirror!

 

Enjoy your day!

Cheryl