I have been struggling for a couple of days trying to come up with a topic about which to write.  Lent is so rich with innumerable items and paths; you would think it would be easy.  It has not been easy. 

The last twenty minutes or so have been spent sitting and staring into the room trying to think of a great subject that will not bore my readers, but maybe inspire or at least give them pause to think.  Again, nothing has come to me.  The heavens have not opened, angels have not sung, and divine revelation has not been proclaimed. 

Here’s what I propose is happening.  There is a lesson to be learned in this.  Actually there’s more than one lesson.  First of all, simply resting in silence with an open mind and heart aimed at God and His instructions is in and of itself a fantastic topic.  When was the last time you really stopped and truly sat in silent meditation listening to nothing, expecting nothing, and getting nothing but peace in return?  Rather than demanding answers from God, stop looking for them and just bask in His Glory and what He has meant in your life. 

Another little lesson is that no one ever said it would be easy.  No matter what the struggle, whether small or life-altering, it will have some level of difficulty.  Otherwise, instead of struggle, it would be called success, calm, peace, or fun.  No matter how difficult the particular struggle is, go back to resting in silence and aim your mind and heart to God and be ready to accept His answers. 

Jesus is the ultimate example of this.  Consider His Agony in the Garden.  He sat, praying to God, looking for answers, but kept his heart and mind open to what God asked of him.  “Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22; 42)  Christ was given answers.  God sent Angels to come minister to him, and He let Jesus know that the cup (aka struggle) would remain His to finish.  However, at the end of His Passion and death, Jesus received the greatest of all rewards.  He is seated at the right hand of God, to be one third of the Holy Trinity and to offer the same guidance and rewards to all of us – the people for whom He endured His suffering (struggles). 

This Lent, take a look at what you are doing, or giving up, or increasing, or whatever you have chosen.  Take some time to sit quietly with God.  Thank him for sending His Son to save us.  And accept the answer you receive.  It may not be the one you want, but in the long run, it will probably come with some reward. 

May God Bless you during this Lenten season!