I don’t know how it is where you call home, but here in the greater Chicagoland area, it is COLD!!! Seriously, it is extremely cold with wind chills dancing below zero. And on top of that, it is snowing. Yes, it’s wintertime here in Illinois. But let me make something perfectly clear: I am not complaining. Compared to what is happening on the East Coast, we here in the Midwest have nothing to complain about. But there’s simply no denying the fact: it’s cold outside!
But what about the temperature on the inside? Are we cold-as-ice or feverishly-warm?
It’s Lent, and we must look at our lives and take our temperature by reflecting on these questions:
– Am I treating others with the respect they deserve?
– Do I find myself talking behind the backs of others?
– Am I constantly putting the needs of others before my own?
– Is it possible for me to see the good in others?
– Can I forgive someone who has treated me poorly?
– Have I found a way to stop lying to others?
– Am I loving my neighbor as I love myself?
– Do I truly listen to my friends and family when they talk to me?
– Do I take the time to pray every day?
– Can I find a way to stop being negative and start being positive?
– Am I able to start living in the present?
– Can I find God in the every day?
– Is there a way that I can stop being angry toward others?
– Can I find a way to stop worrying about everything?
– Can I simply be happy with what I have and not dwell on what I think I deserve?
– Am I able to take a few minutes each day to be thankful for all the gifts that I’ve been given?
– What am I doing to make a difference in the lives of others?
– How can I become a better example of Christ to others?
– What is the one thing that is keeping me from true happiness?
– If I could change one thing about me, what would it be?
This Lent, let us make a commitment to adjust the thermostat in our lives. Just because it’s cold outside this winter doesn’t mean that it has to be cold inside our hearts as well. We need to warm our hearts by reaching out to others. We need to do whatever we can to help out those in need. We need to be Christ for others, and to love and serve as Christ loved and served.
If we take little steps each day, and ask God for help, we can achieve wondrous things. I pray that your Lenten journey is filled with spiritual insights and true warmth of the heart.
