A New Chapter!

written by Jenny Ozor on Friday after Ash Wednesday

Stop right now. Can you name three things that you are grateful for today? Maybe it’s the fact that you got to catch up with your friend you had not seen in a while. Maybe the glistening sparkles in the (albeit cold) snow reminded you how grateful you are to be on planet Earth. Whatever it is, there is always something to be thankful for.

Being grateful in the moment is easier said than done, am I right? Too often I, as I know many do, compare myself with others and my past. It’s a problem that only creates more problems. Perhaps you fell off the wagon a bit during your last Lent. Does that mean you are doomed? Not in the slightest. God has given each of us a fresh start with which we can draw closer to him. In Lent we relinquish what separates us from his mercy and love. Through emptying ourselves in whatever way we are called to, we are able to become full. The best part is, we don’t walk alone! Jesus walks ahead of us and our brothers and sisters in Christ walk alongside us. I’m striving to become more aware of this—of the goodness he pours out daily. Don’t get caught up in self-comparison which can rob one of a spiritually nourishing Lent. Believe that he will strengthen you and challenge you for your ultimate good.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-aeDEvOzVU]
I chose the song “Write Your Story” by Francesca Battistelli to accompany this blog post. The “poppy” sound may not be for everyone, but the lyrics are beautiful. It’s a reminder that this season is a new chapter in our spiritual lives. Though it may be difficult at times, Lent is something to be grateful for! It can be a beautiful chapter, too, in the story of our lives. Let’s allow God to write it with His grace.

Questions for Reflection:

How is God calling me to enter a deeper relationship with Him than in the past?
Have I been cognizant of the blessings that God places in my life daily?

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 Jenny Ozor
Jenny is a sophomore studying Neuroscience at the University of Michigan. She is actively involved in Campus Ministry programs at St. Mary.
Email: ozorj@umich.edu