Getting Back on Track

The reading for today commands my attention immediately: "Hear the word of the LORD!" It definitely causes me to sit upright and listen to what is to follow. We are now beginning the second week of Lent and I have already found myself straying from my good intentions for this Lenten season. I always have grand plans to increase my quiet time with the Lord before I head out the door to work. When I find myself hitting the snooze button too often and rushing out the door to arrive at Jesuit early enough to find a parking space, my time with the Lord is relegated to my drive time or sitting at my desk. This is not ideal as I am usually quite distracted, especially once on campus. It often happens in the second week of Lent that I am feeling I failed with my good intentions to deepen my spiritual life.

One of my weaknesses is getting off track when I don’t follow my plans perfectly. I can follow a diet and exercise plan with precision and a few days here and there of being distracted, eating poorly or putting off exercise and I completely lose my way. Then I have to start all over again! Reading this passage today I feel like I am hearing the Lord giving me a powerful pep talk, Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes. Sometimes I need a stern talking to in order to get back on track.

I tend to forget there is always hope in the Lord, as it says further into the reading, to set things right. This is such a beautiful and hopeful way to see the entirety of my life, not just my failed intentions during Lent, but even the bigger fails when I have gotten off track throughout my life. I read if you are willing and remember to take heart and keep my time with the Lord as a precious gift not to be taken lightly. The diet and exercise will fall into place as they always do! The LORD has spoken, Amen!

Author: Stephanie Nelson, Advancement