Priorities

"Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose."

--Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

My readings today greatly mirrored the message at our Ash Wednesday service last night. We began another round of Lent - being reminded of life's shortness, of the gift that life is, and of the importance of finding the time to "put something down, and pick something else up" in order to seek and honor God.

After much thought, I've decided I'm going to give up TV in the mornings - I often have it on in the background as I'm doing my "quiet time" readings and writings as well as while I work... I like the background noise and feeling connected to news and stories - even when I'm not fully paying attention. But that's all it is. Background noise. Knowing what so and so thinks of the fashions at the Oscars - does that really matter? Hearing the latest argument on The View - how does that better my life? Hearing the local news four times a day - who needs that much sadness and frustration? So I'm turning it off. I think silence will be a new adventure for me... It may take the 40 days to get used to... But I'm up for the challenge!

And I'm continuing to "pick up" reading something daily that connects to my faith. Some days it may be the Bible, and some days it may be other wonderful devotions or books. I'm loving the constant reminders of seeing our faith journeys in new ways. I'm going to continue to write about what I am thinking and feeling - and continuing my lists of 10 things I am thankful for each day. I'm going to continue keeping my handwritten journal - where I allow imperfections and the thoughts of the day to just "flow out" of me - including the good, bad, and the ugly. And I'm going to give myself the space and time to experience silence. To listen.

What will you make a priority through this Lenten season? What will you "put down, and pick up?" Let me know if there is a way I can support you in this time of daring ourselves to stick with new priorities!

To new beginnings!

Megs

Things I am thankful for today:

1. Our wonderful, simple, and meaningful Ash Wednesday service last night.
2. That my husband came to the service last night - without me asking!

3. A good eye doctor appointment this morning - healthy eyes!
4. Thunder accompanying our snow storm! (Apparently you hear some cool things when you're willing to be silent!)
5. Meeting new people through the "bloggin world!" So fun!
6. Papa John's pizza and breadsticks tonight! A special treat on a cold and snowy evening!
7. Making the hubby smile after a long day.
8. Ray LaMontagne's "You Are The Best Thing." (And dancing in the kitchen!)
9. My tulips - still look great!
10. No meeting tonight - cuddling up on the couch for Grey's Anatomy instead! :)