Did you ever notice that Lent has 40 days, whereas the Easter Season has 50? I was thinking about that as I drove home one day and thought, God is so smart! He teaches us to pray and fast, but then He teaches us to Celebrate a few extra days! There always needs to be a balance, but I think God truly wants us to be a joyful, hopeful people.
Don’t forget to Celebrate Moms, Grandmoms, Godmothers all the wonderful mothers out there this weekend – another reason to celebrate during this Easter Season!
Now, do you know how much you can learn about people if you if happen to be directing traffic after a church celebration? This past weekend, I had a learning experience I didn’t expect, and it actually fit right in with the Gospel.
In order to safeguard the people who were leaving the church and flowing over into the street, myself and a few ushers decided to direct the cars leaving, as to ensure the safety of the folks, especially the little ones. Like the Apostles, people had their minds made up on how they would travel, and suggesting a different pattern didn’t sit right with some folks. Thankfully, a majority of them didn’t mind being guided by me, an inexperienced traffic director; they changed course and went on the happy way. Pleasant words were shared, and we felt lighthearted to celebrate the rest of the day.
Can you imagine the disappointment if the Apostles didn’t pay attention to Jesus and shouted back, “You are not a fisherman, what do you know!”?
They would have lost a great opportunity. They needed to do something different. They took the risk, they fished on the other side of the boat. How many times when you and I are faced with a challenge do we look to the other side? It can really be hard, as we think we have everything figured out and now we need to change!
If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that things are not what they used to be. Our new normal may have to be that we look at how we can face challenges in a creative way – and fish on the other side of the boat! Of course, all of this is easier said than done, but it is certainly worth a try. Again, imagine if the Apostles had given up after a hard long night. They would have lost that big catch!
Take the time to look at what is happening in your life and see if fishing on the other side of the boat may be a solution for you. In your silent reflection time, God may be calling to you and telling you what to do. Remember the plans He has for you are plans for the good.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
