Ash Wednesday Reflections

Lent is observed as a season of reflection, repentance and appreciation for the work of Christ in our lives.  As such, I offer a few reflections:

1. I give thanks to God that I have a house in which to live.
2. I praise God that this house is ours (or the bank's and ours) to steward.
3. I am frequently grateful that this house possesses running water, even when said water runneth over.
4. I exalt the Lord that I am employed, and that my employer allows me to leave without question in the event that #3 occurs and I must leave to meet the plumber.
5. I am extremely grateful that the plumber has come and gone and I need not mortgage the house to pay for the repairs.
6. I am eternally grateful that my concerns of the day are limited to brown ceilings and carpet that squishes, and not the health of my child, the devastation of my city, or whether I will be able to find food for my family.

Take, Lord, and Receive

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory,
my understanding, and my entire will.
All I have and call my own.
Whatever I have or hold, you have given me.
I return it all to you and surrender it wholly
to be governed by your will.
Give me only your love and your grace
and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more.


St. Ignatius, from the end of the Spiritual Exercises