While I went out on my long run this weekend, I listened to a talk given by a friend of mine named Julie Canlis, and it was wonderful to have her as my companion along the way. She is sharing a series at their church called "Lent to the Rescue." In the first talk, she gave a history of Lent in the church and then she began to lay out some practical disciplines that have been anchors for saints through the years that we too can learn from and try on for a season.
A few points that I remember as I was pounding the pavement were the following:
Lent can be a time of taking stock and of paying attention.
(paying attention to habits, words, motives, thoughts, relationships...)
It can be a time to create space to listen.
It can be a time of renewal if you allow for it.
God is everywhere hidden in plain sight...It is we who need to pay attention.
She made one comment that "Often we cannot begin to pay attention until we take something out of our lives or conversely when something is taken away from us..."
As I heard this, I kept thinking that your journey to Pittsburg is much like the season Lent. With all that you have ahead, you are taking stock. The CF is bringing into focus what matters. While this is incredibly challenging, I am praying that you all will be able to encourage one another to listen, to create some space, and to pay attention to yourselves, to one another and to God. I am praying for renewal in many ways for this journey for you.
sending you much love as you head into your day of tests at the hospital and apartment hunting in the morning...
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