My First Year

First Comes Love

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage.  At least that's how I learned the song.

We spent a lot of time this year talking about love, what it is, how to recognize it, how to live it.  As always, students were required to look in Scripture and the Catechism to aid in understanding.  The secular messages that they are inundated with are sung to a very different tune, and I happen to know they are confused.  

"Love is a decision."  One day I put this on the board as bellwork.  I had planned on discussing the textbook concept of love as being more than a feeling (our textbook defines it as the "conscious decision to will the good of another.")  Love is an act of the will, doing what is best for the other.

After recieving a rather hostile response it took me a few minutes to realize that some students thought I was talking about homosexual relationships. Love (aka: sex) is a choice, and homosexuals can't choose who they love (have sex with?).  It was not the class discussion I had planned for the day!

Then we talked about and researched marriage.  This gets even trickier.  The Church defines it as an indissoluble covenant between a man and a woman, with God as the author; it reflects God's covenant covenant with humanity (hence the "indissoluble" part). And Jesus is brutally clear.  I usually hold my breath for a few days, waiting for an angry email or phone call. How do you teach this stuff without offending half of the population. VERY carefully. Prayerfully.

But I believe in the goal. The bar is set painfully high, but it doesn't mean we should stop aiming for it. And I pray for God's perfect plan for each one of them.

*******

"I've never told this to anyone but my wife," a friend said over lunch, "I don't know why I'm telling you..." He continued to explain how he had made a list of the qualities he was looking for in a spouse. He didn't find the list again until after he was married. When he read it he was amazed at how perfectly it described his wife.  "There's something to it," he said about putting the request "out there." Just ASK, God tells us in His Word.

My friend may have not have understood his compulsion to share this story with me, but I think I figured it out: how perfectly it fit into what I was teaching! What a beautiful way to bridge between the curriculum of marriage, and sexuality.

So I got some nice sheets of paper and asked the students to describe their ideal spouse. I collected it and put it in an envelope until we were done discussing marriage.  Then, after we researched chastity and vocations, I held their envelopes in front of the room. "I've got your ideal spouses here," I said, waving the envelopes back and forth, "Do you believe they exist? Do you wonder what they are doing right now? Where they are? Maybe they're even dating someone! Do you want them to wait for you?  Are you willing to wait for them?"  

Then I handed the envelopes back to them and asked them to write a letter to him/her, to tell them how much they've loved them since before they even met, how they are so excited to love and be loved with that kind of commitment. After they've finished writing their letters I instruct them to put them back in the envelopes and seal them. 

"The trick is, you can't open it until you're married; or ordained; or taken religious vows; and God's plan for some of you may even be to wait for Him.Our memory verse for this particular month just happens to be: "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans not to harm you, to give you a future with hope." Jer 29:11.  Do you believe? Do you trust God?

Before they file the list and the letter away in some forgotten drawer, I offer them a commitment card to carry in their wallet to remind them, "Please, only take one if you're committed to keeping the pledge," I ask.

The last part of the assignment isn't due for years: "Send me an invitation to the wedding/ordination/ceremony."

Mrs. Welch
Matchmaker's assistant 

A Picture's Worth

Highlights from our Emmaus Walks:

We read the Scripture together and talked about the story.  "Isn't it funny?" I asked the class, "Just imagine the men telling Jesus about what had just happened to Him--as if He didn't have any idea! Who knew Scripture was funny?"  I could tell they hadn't considered it.  (I am convinced that God has an amazing sense of humor, and furthermore, that it is a requirement of being Christian.)

Then I explained that we were going to go for a walk and look for God.

"You're not going to believe this Mrs, Welch!" the kindegarten teacher exclaimed, "How well this fits in with what we're studying!..." I smiled from somewhere deep inside. I just love it when God does my lesson plans. Turns out they were learning about the five senses.

"Can you see God?" I asked the students. Most of them said no, but a few wise ones answered an emphatic yes. "Do you think He is around us all the time and we don't recognize Him, just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus?" Everyone agreed that He is. "Well let's go out and walk with Him!'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of creation cooperated. The weather was perfect, with cornflower blue skies and a smattering fluffy white clouds. Birds sang and flowers blushed.  It was a landscape of love, effortless art from a Father to his beloved children.

Huge mounds of cherry blossoms decorated the concrete curbs, like a pretty pink spring snow. The students threw them joyfully in the air.  "Petals!," someone said excitedly, as another student scurried up the hill yelling, "Pollen!!!"  ;-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a windy day and the petals danced in the air to the delight of the students.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"What's one of the symbols for the Holy Spirit from Scripture?," I asked. 

"A dove!" someone answered.

"Good.  Does anyone see a dove?" 

"No..."

"What's another symbol for the Holy Spirit," I asked, "from Pentecost..."

"Tongues of fire!" another student shouted.

"Yes!, Does anyone see tongues of fire above our heads?!" I said, looking shocked and reaching above my head.

"No...," they answered.

"What's another sign for the Holy Spirit?..." 

"WIND!" someone finally yelled.

"Great!, "Can you see the wind?!"

"No," someone said.  Then I threw the petals in the air and we watched as the Holy Spirit moved through us.  

Magical, it was.

Mrs. Welch
Walking with the Lord

 

Taking An Emmaus Walk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the Scripture story about the two men walking to Emmaus. It's so easy to imagine, to place youself there. Consumed by dramatic recent events, the men are stunned when they encounter a stranger who appears not to know what has happened. Everybody is talking about it, how could he be unaware?!

I love the irony of it, of two men telling Jesus about what happened to him. How often we do that--talk to God as if He doesn't have any idea what we're talking about?!

Taking an Emmaus Walk is always a great idea. And what's not to like about it? We get to go outside, in the fresh, unconditioned air and newly arrived warm weather (It's the best classroom on earth). We get out from sitting still behind desks and actually move our bodies. I don't know about you, but I certainly don't get enough of that!

Our school is blessed to have several beautiful places to walk to -- a grotto at the end of the parking lot and a pond behind the church. So here's my plan for our April prayer buddy meeting:

• We arrive at the Lower School classroom and begin with an Our Father (led by an Upper School student).
• Then another Upper School student reads the Emmaus story from Scripture.
• We talk about how God is present all around us - in all of creation and in one another, and how we just get so busy with the latest drama that we fail to see Him right in front of us.
• We explain that we are going to go on a walk, to break from our routine, to slow down and go out to look for Him, to talk with with Him, to walk with him.
• Then out we go, buddy-system style.
• When we arrive at the grotto we say a Hail Mary together.
• We continue on around the back of the church, past the pretty flower gardens to the koi pond, where together we say a Glory Be.
• Then we head back to the classroom where we "break bread" together (sugar cookies, of course!). This is the most important part, because this is where they came to know Him--in the breaking of the bread. It is here that the prayer buddies will talk about, and list, the places, things and conversations experienced on the Emmaus walk, in other words: where/when/how they most encountered Christ.
• Lastly, we will invite the prayer buddies to share, in a larger group as a class, some of their highlights.

I rather like the sound of it. The only problem is that it sounds dangerously similar to one of those four-letter "plan"s--you know the ones -- that never go according to the plan. The ones that sound so fabulous in your head, maybe even in writing, but somehow the reality is unrecognizable. That's the funny thing about plans, God rarely follows my scripts. ;-)  

Then again, just maybe this idea is inspired... It did kind of just land in my brain like raindrop from heaven.  Effortless it was - a sure sign that God was involved. Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes.

Mrs. Welch
Pinching myself that I get paid to go for a walk. 

Homework:

• Leave the drama behind and take a walk with Jesus - bring a friend along!
• Enjoy Spring! Notice the gifts everywhere. Sow an attitude of gratitude.
• Allow yourself to get caught up in the joy and wonder of the Risen Christ! 

Jesus I Trust in You

I've been singing it for several days now, the Divine Mercy Chaplet.  I first heard it several years ago and it is a song that never really leaves you. It is simple and hauntingly beautiful.

Recently, I've been singing it while walking the dog. Spiritually, I imagine scattering mystical rose petals as Gracie and I walk past the jail, past the contruction site, past the people driving the opposite direction. In prayer I ask Jesus to visit them, to touch them with special graces, "For the sake of his sorrowful passion have mercy on us and on the whole world."  

Sometimes I catch myself talking like this to my classes and I recognize how crazy it sounds. Yet what is crazier, I ask my students: to believe in an unseen spiritual world that is alive and active--to seek participation in it, or to believe that the material world is all there is? We get to choose, and you can call me crazy. ;-)

It is quite by coincidence (aka - God's anonymous grace) that I find myself scheduled to bring Communion to those hospitalized this Divine Mercy Sunday. It is the first time I will practice this incredible ministry and I am both excited and nervous.

I vividly remember taking my classes to the nursing home across the street from the school. After years of attempting to bring the love of Christ into the classroom, it wasn't until we left the classroom and visited the sick that I felt His love truly absorbed. It was a powerful moment for me. Perhaps we are never more ready to receive love than when we are close to death, when we are alone and lonely, when we are sick...It is into this situation that I hope to bring the mercy and love of Jesus Christ this Divine Mercy Sunday. Pray for me.

When I realized that my first time bringing Communion to the sick would be on this Octave of Easter, I started doing some research. First I looked for a beautiful image to bring along with me. I've been hospitalized before, and I know the importance of having something beautiful to look at. Hospitals can be pretty cold and hard. What could be more beautiful than the image of Christ pouring out His life (red rays) and mercy (white rays) on us? What could be more comforting than to meditate on this image and the accompanying text, "Jesus I Trust in You"? There is a lot of strength to be found there.

In my research I ran across the video of a Marian priest named Fr. Calloway. It is worthwhile viewing. Most noteworthy is the theological analogy of chess (think king, queeen, bishop and strategies of the game), and, an incredible recent scientific discovery that has profound theological significance.It's called fetal microchimerism. The scientific term is rooted in a word I have been highlighting in my philosophy reading: chimera; a fire breathing monster with the head of lion, the body of goat and the tail of a serpent. Descarte uses this mythological monster it to illustrate the ridiculous, the impossible, an imaginary creature made up of disparate parts.

Turns out it's not so ridiculous after all. Turns out that as a mother of two sons, I contain Y chromosome cells in my body. Who knew? Essentially, fetal microchimerism is the discovery that when a woman becomes pregnant, living cells from her child pass through the placenta and remain a part of her (and vice versa). Genetic DNA unique to the child becomes a permanent biological part of the mother! Even if lost in utero, that life always remains alive in the mother. Isn't that amazing? The theological ramifications affirm what people have known for centuries. Mary, IS a living tabernacle of Christ, she is in constant communion with her son Jesus.

As a mother, as a Catholic, as a Christian--even as a human--this is balm to my soul, helping me to recognize the very real connection we have to one another, and the unity of the Holy Family to which we are called to become a part. Through adoption, through the mystery of the Eucharist, I can be in Communion with Mary my mother, Jesus my brother and God my Father. I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday than gathered around that Table!

I don't need science to prove to me what I already know, but boy is it exciting when it does!

Mrs. Welch
Singing God's mercy 

Homework: 

• Please pray for Danielle - a former student who lost her father this weekend.
• Sing the Divine Mercy Chaplet. - This one has beautiful images of Jesus that you can meditate on while singing/listening. It is easy to get lost in His merciful eyes. 
• Watch/listen to what Father Calloway has to say:

 

Catholic Teaching on Sex

Catholic Teaching on Sex? In a word: misunderstood.

Thank you, Fr. Barron for helping us to understand!

 

Encore?...

 

 

The church proposes, it does not impose. Pope John Paul II

Mrs. Welch

Student

Deja Vu

It happened again, with uncanny similarities...

They drove past, across the invisible line that separates "us" from "them."  I waved as they went by. It is a simple but important gesture, a greeting that announces our intentions: We are friendly, peaceful, approachable...

We were praying the rosary when they parked their vehicle. "Two men..." someone said, verbalizing the concern that had already broken our focus. Two men going to Planned Parenthood? No... they were there for us.

"They were here before," someone said nervously, acknowledging the impending confrontation. I glanced over my shoulder and saw one of them getting something out of the passenger side of his truck.

The writer in me scripted the scene. I imagined him turning toward us, spraying us with bullets.  It is not beyond reason. Stranger things have happened in elementary schools and movie theaters. 

What would I do? 

Immediately I thought of the high school student across from me on my right. Her mother is a colleague I had asked to join us and she had brought her daughter along. She is a beautiful young woman who played the role of Mary in the church play. I am not exaggerating when I describe her as having the face of an angel. Flawless skin, clear eyes, the personification of a purity and innocence not often encountered.

In stark contrast, everything about the young men was rough, tough, crude and intimidating....Thoughts quickly turned toward home and my own two children. Doubt ran through me like an electric current. Why had I come?!!

We were in a circle and my back was to them as they turned toward us. Feelings of vulnerability intensified. I reached in my pocket for my cell phone and dialed 9...then 1... We continued praying, willing ourselves to the words we were saying while my hand hovered over the virtual "Call" button. Standing in the face of a bitter wind and the setting sun I closed my eyes. I could feel a penetrating warmth as we said in unison, "Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee."

They stood a few feet behind me now and I opened my eyes. Scanning the faces across from me I searched for some reassurance. Among a handful of women my gaze centered on a man to my left. I can't explain the solace, the strength I found there. He stood firm, resolute. Another angel. Surrounded by beauty and strength, peace wrapped itself around me like a blanket.

We continued praying as the young men stood silently behind us. I was struck by the humility of the words we were speaking. "Pray for us sinners," we acknowledged plainly. Power is made perfect in weakness and it is from here that we witness best. Anchoring myself in God's Word I gained confidence. "Thy will be done on earth as in heaven..." Yes, Lord, that sounds wonderful. Thank you. Boldly we petition Him, "Give us this day, our daily bread..." 

It was prayer as it is intended. 

A few minutes went by and our visitors remained silent. I reasoned this as a sign of respect and relaxed further. They waited for a break but the rosary is a long prayer. Impatient, one of them started reading from a tattered notebook. "A Pro-Choice manifesto," someone would later call it. Every now and then I would catch some of his words as they stabbed at the air behind me.

It occured to me how well thought out his position was. He was committed. Impassioned. Intelligent.  As he protested our prayer with his indignation, I heard in his words a longing for love, compassion, understanding, acceptance... a thirst for justice. We stood feet apart, on opposite sides of the dividing line yet firmly on common ground.

When he finished reading, one of the women looked up from the circle and asked him with admiration, "Did you write that?" 

"Yes," he acknowledged.

"All of it?," she asked with genuine respect.

"Yes," he replied.

She broke from the circle and approached him as the rest of us continued our prayer. I couldn't hear what they were saying but it was clear they were having a peaceful exchange. When we finished the rosary I turned to face them. They were young, tattooed and pierced, hooded...

The high school teacher in me longed to answer their questions, to engage them in dialog, to walk with them in the pursuit of Truth. I extended my hand and introduced myself, "Hi, my name is Allison..." I said looking each of them in the eyes. I was stunned by the beauty I found there, a blue that radiated an intense light.

I don't remember everything that was said, but by the grace of God alone, we were able to witness to a love that is beyond all understanding, and I genuinely felt God using me. It is the kind of spending of oneself that paradoxically renews. Years of experience dealing with teenagers as a teacher, endless hours of study as a student; in the eternal economy of God none of it was wasted. There is a purpose, He whispered, a plan. Trust me.  

In the exchange that followed it is hard to separate who was blessed and who was blessing.  We came from opposite places and met in the middle and it was beautiful. Which isn't to say that it wasn't scary. I was shaking when they left and it wasn't from the cold.

Like many who attend the 40 Days for Life campaign, I go reluctantly, uncomfortably, forcing myself to come face to face with a conflict I would prefer to simply wish away with a surperficial and private prayer. But we work for a God who demands us to action on behalf of the "least of these." I cannot, in good conscience, ignore the cries of an infant I heard years ago. The mother in me is compelled to rise in the darkness and respond to his/her needs. And so we go. Confronting our fear, our doubt, our worry, always with hope, a hope that does not die.

May we never go without a disarming love or we are destined to fail.

It is in our wildest dreams that we at the 40 Days For Life campaign imagine making a difference, participating in the saving of just one innocent life. But reality is grittier than that. Life is messy and rarely unfolds according to my plans. If it were up to me, my encounter would have been with a pretty young woman who we would have given the strength and resources necessary to face an unplanned pregnancy and choose life; a life I would one day hold, warm and snuggled in my arms -- the fruit of my labors in beautiful little bundle.

What I got was a chain smoking tattoed teenager who wanted to debate me. What I got was infinitely better than what I imagined. It was real. Stripped of my pride and my self-reliance, I was forced to publicly witness to my own sinfulness and my utter dependence on God. When push comes to shove it is where we all end - in a freefall of faith. It is here where we soar. 

As the young men turned to leave I noticed a long knife hanging from his hip. I put my hands in my pocket and felt the rosary that I had clung to minutes before. "Hey," I called out and they turned back around, "Here...'  I said as I tossed the handmade twine rosary through the air. He laughed as it landed in his hand. It was a pretty picture.

Mrs. Welch
Humbled 

Homework:

• Speak out for someone no one else hears or sees
• Look the left-behind in the eyes and find Christ there
• Get outside your comfort zone.  Do it for the love of God and others. You will know it is love when you don't want to do it, you get nothing out of it and there are real risks involved. The life you save just might be your own.
• Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Phil 2:12

 

It doesn't start until 2 minutes in but it's worth the wait...

 

 

Habemus Papam

We have a Pope!

Isn't it exciting?! I'm so optimistic. What a great opportunity for the world to see my mother Church in all her beauty; thousands of years of history and tradition paraded before us. The successor to Peter has been named. And what a name!! Who doesn't know --and love-- Francis of Assisi?

Wasn't it cool how the seagull landed on the chimney right before the white smoke came flowing out to announce that a Papam (Papa) had been chosen; a Pope whose first decision would be to pick the name of a man who is known for preaching to birds.

Please God, help the Church to reach the people with her message of liberation, love, peace and joy. 

Here's my classroom on the local news as we awaited the name of the new Pope...

Mrs. Welch
Hopeful 

Saturday Morning Stroll

"While all the runners in the stadium take part in the race, the award goes to one man.  In that case, run so as to win! Athletes deny themselves all sorts of things. They do this to win a crown of leaves that withers, but we a crown that is imperishable. I do not run like a man who loses sight of the finish line. I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. What I do is discipline my own body and master it, for fear that after having preached to others I myself should be rejected." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

We live seven blocks from the center of the city with it's bustling farmers market and adorable outdoor cafes. Betting that the revitalization would soon reach us we bought a renovated loft on the outskirts of town. Unfortunately the real estate bubble popped in the middle of our block. Still, slowly, buildings are being transformed. One of them is a small brick building housing a CrossFit gym that has brought a lot of life to the area. People regularly lunge up and down the sidewalks with big round weights on their backs, strapped to their limbs or dragging behind them.

One Saturday morning as I took my dog Gracie for a walk a gaggle of joggers turned the corner and swelled up on us. They were drenched in sweat. As they passed I heard the pounding of their feet on the pavement and the heaving of their breath. The word that came to mind was "punishing" and it reminded the Theology Teacher in me of the concept of mortification.

It's a concept that confounds my students and when/if it comes up I admit I gloss over it. Who can explain such an archaic practice? My First Year teaching a student preparing for Confirmation selected as her patron saint, Rose of Lima, who is said to have slept on broken glass. This summer in Spain we visited  St. Teresa of Avila's convent and saw a replica of the room where she slept with a log for a pillow. "I don't get it..." my husband said, not for the first time. The Religion Teacher had no explanation.

As the exercisers passed me, "punishing" their bodies into shape I wondered if mortification really was a lost concept we can no longer relate to. Quickly I was able to list several ways we flagellate ourselves today:

• carrying too much debt
• always being in a hurry
• strapping ourselves with too much stuff

And I wondered if we don't beat ourselves up more than ever before... the only thing that's become archaic is the idea of self-denial as a means of moving closer to God by identifying with the suffering person of Christ. Mortification has moved from a means to an end.

Many could argue quite effectively that mortification as a means of growing in love of God is misguided. All might agree that mortification for the sake of mortification, or for any self-gratifying reason, is simply "twisted."  But perhaps it would do us well to consider mortification centered around God for a change. Adding exercise, skipping sweets, all in sincere thanksgiving to God for the gifts we've been given, for bodies we are grateful for instead of bodies we despise and complain about. Denying ourselves that piece of clothing, jewelry, car etc that we really want and giving the money to the needy instead. Ouch, that hurts. Setting aside a specific amount of time in our daily schedules for prayer, meditation or Mass instead of scurrying through our lives as though we are the center of the universe.

I'm no scientist, but it occurs to me that there must be some law that states that what is focused inward inevitably implodes and what focuses outward ultimately expands. I don't know about you, but the idea of focusing outward makes my spirit swell. Now if I could just get my body to follow...

Maybe a little mortification, or even a little discipline, is long overdue.

Mrs. Welch
Sans soda and calling it mortification

Homework:

• What are you struggling with? What are you doing that feels like punishing work? Are you up against something that appears immovable? Try consecrating it to God. Do it for Him. Bear it in His holy name. As Catholics are fond of saying, "offer it up!" Accept that maybe God just wants you to make the effort, He'll do the work. I'll admit there are too many days when I feel like Sisyphus and I simply want to quit the work I do. It's too hard, I'm not seeing any results, I'm tired. But if I offer it to Him, He can move that mountain. I just keep thinking about seeing those students in heaven. I know I can't make it happen, my job is to just keep PUSHing with all my life, developing my moral muscle and encouraging those around me to do the same. See you at the mountaintop!!!
• What do I do for a living?...

Putting on the Armor of God

Approximately once a month we meet with our Lower School Prayer Buddies. The Upper School students ask daily when the next get together is scheduled. They can't wait. It really is neat watching them interact with the little ones. They rise to the occasion. It isn't unusual to see the cool kid put his guard down and reveal a softer side.

Speaking of "guard" - I had an inspiration for an activity to do for our next get together. Here's how it works:

PREP WORK

STEP 1 - Create a Christian Soldier 
    Option 1: Have the students trace and cut out an outline of one of the students and then hang it on the wall.

    Option 2: Google a cartoon image of a Roman guard and have an artistically gifted student draw him and then post it on the wall.

Check ours out!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEP 2 - Create the Armor of God

Google Images of "Armor of God" and print off pictures of the following (I laminated them so I can use them again):

• The Helmet of Salvation
• The Sheild of Faith    
• The Belt of Truth
• The Sword of the Spirit
• The Breastplate of Righteousness
• The Shoes of of the Gospel

FOR THE ACTIVITY - "Pin the Armor on the Christian Soldier" 

1. Read Ephesians 6:10-18 together
2. The Upper School Students blindfold the Lower School Students and then spin them around while reading the appropriate Scripture (see the soldier above),
3. Then they hand their Lower School partner a piece of armor and send them off with instructions to stick the armor on the appropriate spot of the cut-out soldier.
4. We had teams and the winning team won lollipops.
5. When you're finished, hang the Christian soldier in a hallway as a teaching tool and a reminder of fun times.

What a hoot! We had a great time. Hope you do to.

Mrs. Welch
Putting on the Armor of God

Homework :

•  Read the Bible! Try memorizing scripture.  Each of my classes has a memory verse they write down daily.  Then at end of the month they are quizzed on it. ("Take out a sheet of paper and write it down word for word.  Identify book, chapter, verse.")  Next year I think all of the memory verses will come from the poster above so they are centered around a theme. Then at the end of the year there will be a test on all of them.

Just Add Water

All is Grace. It's how I sign my school email. "All is grace, Allison Welch." Everything is an undeserved gift from God. Everything. 

I remember actually resenting God's claim on my life, on everything in it. I mean, I've worked hard for what I've got. I've earned it. Who says it belongs to Him? Who says I owe Him everthing I have? (Hope you don't get an electric shock from the keyboard! ;-)

I still regularly resist the notion that everything I have belongs to God, but I rarely resent it. How's that for progress? ;-) "Reliquishing" it is still a long way off in the encyclopedia of Allison's faith journey! What happened to me the first day of Lent goes a long way to help explain how I'm learning to let go of resentment and embrace gratitude (It so much easier to carry!) Have I mentioned it was grace?...

So, as part of my three pillared Lenten plan I gave up all drinks other than water and the strangest thing happened. For the first time (ever?!) I experienced a profound gratitude for water. 

On an intellectual level I know that I can't live without it, that my body is 70% water, that showers are one of my favorite things in this world, that I love swimming and kayaking and motor boating. You'd think this moment wouldn't have been so long coming. For a brief moment I "got" it. I understood at a deeper level that I literally wouldn't exist without water and there isn't a person on the planet who can "create" it. Water is as low as it gets on Maslows hierarchy of needs and it is pure gift from God.

Everything else is gravy.(Which is also ultimately a gift from God, one that I participate in. Actually, it is a great example of grace - which by definition is "participating in the life of God.") Bottom Line: everything I have I can trace back to God and His love for me.  So just who is it that I think I am?...

Loved, that's who.  

Mrs. Welch
Drinking the Fruit of Lent 

Homework:

• Try being conscious of the gift of water. How many times a day you use it, how many different ways you use it, how dependent you are on it, how easily you access it. Be grateful for it. Make using water a prayer of gratitude. Give God the glory and the praise, and drown in His grace.
• Pray this...