Happy Spring! I know it officially began on the summer solstice, March 21, but for me, after Easter really FEELS like spring. Maybe the rebirth of our plants and flowers after the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated has some symbolic significance. I love this time of year. The cool mornings where you can still comfortably don a sweatshirt, that transforms into a lovely warm day as the sun rises into the sky and bakes off the chill and encourages the daffodils to push through the earth. I even like the rain. It feels like a cleansing, getting ready for the big show of trees and flowers coming back to life.
How did Lent go for you, that is, if you decided to participate? I had a good experience. I took on the Dynamic Catholic, Best Lent Ever, Holy Moments crusade, which was pretty amazing. I feel changed, and I want to keep going with it. I think that was the whole point. They are trying (We are trying) to create a Holy Moments movement that will change the world. Lofty? Heck, yeah! Why not, though. Anything really worthwhile that has been accomplished has started with someone with a big idea, and usually no real resources to necessarily achieve the goal. But when they persist, a few more people see that it’s a really good idea and want to participate, then a few more jump on the bandwagon, and start sharing with others. Before you know it, the idea has a life of its’ own and may have grown bigger than anyone could have ever imagined. For me, the coolest part is how I feel when I create a holy moment. Yes, I can see it made a difference for the other person, but it may have made a bigger difference in me. It feels good to be kind, smile, do a kind act, whatever it is you choose to do.
A holy moment is a collaboration with God. You take time to be quiet, listen to what God wants for you to do, (this is the collaboration part}, and then act on it. I know, God doesn’t talk to you. I felt the same way, but He does. It might be a thought that comes into your head, a person perhaps, or something to do for yourself. Taking care of yourself can definitely be a holy moment. It might be calling someone who is lonely, buying someone’s groceries. It doesn’t have to be a big thing to be a holy thing. One of the benefits is the way it affects you, and the way you feel about others. Everyone has their own set of struggles, and sometimes just doing the slightest kindness can make a difference for them. They might realize that they are not alone, that someone cares. That one little action, that took you very little effort just might mean the world to someone else.
Easter is over, but the Easter season is just beginning. Whether you celebrated or not, whether you took on Lent or not, I am inviting you to join the holy moments crusade. Look for ways to share kindness. Don’t be in such a hurry. Quit being so judgmental when someone doesn’t do something the way you think they should. Be slow to anger, and quick to forgive. Remember, you don’t know what is going on with the other person. Maybe they just got bad news, are dealing with a difficult situation, or are just having a bad day. Imagine how something as simple as a smile and a kind word can make all the difference for them. And, I guarantee if you take this on, you too, will be forever changed for the better. I love you and want the best for you and invite you to go out and create holy moments wherever you go. Just watch as we change the world!
Amen! I’m in!