Just A Thought Or Two . . .

The Lord Will Provide

He was waiting for the warmer weather.  He was waiting for the days to get longer.  He was waiting for his mother’s permission.  Finally, his mother told the eager five-year old that it was time.  He put on his jacket and went out to the side yard.  This would be his special flower garden.

This would be his little place in the world.  He sat down right in the middle of the dirt and began clearing the weeds and the old leaves. He wanted this piece of ground to be perfect.  Soon his little fingers came upon a hard object right in the middle of his planting place.  He moved the earth around it.  He found a huge root that was anchored like cement.  The little boy pulled with all of his might.  He dug deeper hoping he could loosen the root from underneath.  The root did not budge.

His mother watched him from the kitchen window.  She was proud of his excitement and commitment.  She saw his determination.  She saw his willingness to try a variety of options.  She could also sense his frustration.

She went out to the yard and her little one explained the situation.  “Why didn’t you use all of your strength?” she asked.  Her son looked hurt and patiently explained that he had used all of his strength.  He had tried lots of different methods to remove the pesky root.

“No,” said his mother, “You did not use all the strength you had.  You didn’t ask me.”

Together, the little boy and his mother pulled out the heavy root and prepared the ground for planting.  Next week is Ash Wednesday and we begin the season of Lent.  Lent means “springtime” and we will be asked to prepare our hearts for Easter Alleluias.   What stands in our way?  How many times have we said, “This situation is just too difficult.  I’ve tried and tried and nothing seems to change,”  “This is too hard,”  “I’ve used every opportunity and I’m still not successful and I am ready to give up?”

Lenten days are “reminder” days. Lenten days ask us to look at all our resources.  Lenten days are for simply remembering that God is available for help.  God offers the strength and guidance we need.

Sunday’s Gospel from St. Matthew tells says, “Do not worry about your life.”  Jesus tells His disciples that God will take care of all of their needs.  Jesus says, “Your heavenly Father knows what you need. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things will be given to you.  Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.”

There are some who say we ask God for too much.  Lenten days remind us that we ask God for too little.  Now is the time to turn to the Lord for all we need.

Please come and pray with us: Ash Wednesday Liturgy, March 5 in All Saints Church at 1:05, hosted by the 5A Class.