Lent

Lent has been unique this year.  Monica was born on Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday was spent in the hospital.  Even though we received ashes, Christ's sacrifice was the last thing on my mind.  I didn't even really get started with some of my Lenten sacrifices until two weeks in.  But having a new baby during Lent has gifted me with new reflections about the love of the Lord for His children.  As a parent you can't help but be sacrificial.  A baby has needs that they can't meet on their own and sometimes those needs are quite urgent (blow outs, hungry tummies, etc) therefore your needs sometimes have to wait (it's a good thing I got used to the feeling of needing to pee badly during pregnancy).  The truth is, it isn't really that hard to sacrifice for Monica or Tony.  I love them so much and I know I'm fulfilling my God given vocation therefore it doesn't feel like a sacrifice to put their needs ahead of mine.  These reflections make me think of Christ's sacrifice for us not in sorrow, but as the most triumphant and greatest love story ever told.  "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

I've also been trying to focus on the acronym J. (Jesus first) O. (Others second) Y. (Yourself last) and pray for the grace to have this truly be the attitude of my heart in all things I do.  Left to my own devices, I am such a Martha (Luke 10: 38-42).  I am a task oriented person, overflowing with to do lists.  Monica is helping me become more of a Mary because I have to pause from the things I think are important to sit and be with her when nursing.  This has helped me to realize how fruitful it is to reflect, pray, read, etc.  Of course I could have done this better in the past, but the tasks got in the way.  I am so grateful for the blessings this gift from God brings into my life every day.