How many times do people say how thankful they are for a soldier's sacrifice? Or how many times do we say we are thankful for the sacrifices of others so we many have comfort? I keep thinking of St. Francis' prayer that says, "it is in giving that we receive, and in dying that we are born to eternal life." I remember learning the concept of "dying to self" in high school by my Religion Teacher, Mrs. Ranck. She used the Greek term called "Metanoia". It was a fascinating concept to me even then in my youth and immaturity. I can honestly say I am still fascinated by this concept and still need to practice it.
Often I am consumed by distractions albeit whether it is thoughts or feelings; they tend to divert me away from spiritual growth and maturity. I used to think my family was the reason why my faith had lessened; in actuality, it is my family that has allowed me the opportunity to grow in faith if I should chose. I am continually granted opportunities everyday to view things as blessings or curses; opportunities for growth, or reasons to sin, etc.
Some days I still struggle with seeing the experiences of my past as blessings or things that have brought me closer to God. I don't know why I focus on the negative or the hurtful feelings that surround those experiences but alas, I can be freed! I am freed when I offer my sacrifice over to God as Jesus did on the Cross. I am fed when I accept his Precious Body and Blood completely within me though humbling saying "I am not even worthy for you to enter under my roof." Listening to the changes tonight reminded me how much I love my faith, and how much I still remember it, even if I just attend once a week. It definitely stirs up in me a longing to spend more time with our Lord and to stop using my family as a reason to avoid it.
