Lent - Feb 16 - Isaiah 58:6

K a t h r y n   L a d d

Friday, February 16

Isaiah 58:6

“Is not this the fast that I choose:

to loose the bonds of wickedness,

to undo the straps of the yoke,

to let the oppressed go free,

and to break every yoke?”

 

How are your New Year Resolutions coming along?  For many of us, we look inward to the habits that we feel will improve our health and relationships with family and friends. The New Year is also a time to prepare for the reflection period of Lent.  For me, a more regular devotion time instead of the constant din of the 24 hour TV news is part of my plan. 

 

The fasting of Lent, which to some may feel like great sacrifice, is only one way to approach the time of preparation.  But what of the outward resolutions; mindful of reaching more?  Instead, find ways to lift up and help others to feel the relationship that comes with the family of God.  Many in our community feel the yoke that comes with the stress and worry of the loss of a job or sickness in the family.  For them, the loss of hope is the greatest sacrifice.  Their busy-ness has become the business of daily life and each of us can be the light of hope to help them break the bonds that hold them.  We can be a reflection of the love of God through our faith.  Simply making a conscious effort to have a positive attitude can have an impact on those that have not found reasons to smile enough lately.

 

Every day, you can find me in the midst of the greatest example of this – my Kindergarten class.  I have discovered that there is no way you can have a bad day in Kindergarten.  Of course, my students are coming into class from the same world with its troubles.   Blocks and playdough aside, the smiles are contagious and when anyone gets the giggles all the troubles from the world float away like bubbles.  Each child is greeted when they enter because our day would not be complete without them.  Best of all, it is spontaneous and perfectly grace-ful. 

 

Please give prayerful consideration to adding a gift to our community as part of your Lenten Devotion.  And “ ... do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

 

Jesus Loves You and So Do I

Always Faithful

Kathryn Ladd