First Congregational Church of Sutton

Have you ever had a song get stuck in your head and you just couldn't get it out? I have had the words to the "Lord of the Dance" stuck in my head for a week now. As I found myself singing these words over and over again, I began to realize that these words are wonderful for a Lenten reflection. During March we will be journeying through the holy season of Lent. Lent is a time of preparation, reflection, prayer and self examination. It is a time for each one of us to look back at the amazing gifts our Lord gave us. Jesus Christ not only shared with us the teachings of our Creator, but was also willing to die on the cross for us.

 Yesterday, I was traveling in the car with my kids and asked them to tell me how their day was. At first I got the usual answers but then my children started to make a long list of complaints. One didn't like the lunch I had packed her. One didn't like the way a teacher spoke to her. One was unhappy that it was her day to have art. On and on the list went, until finally I said, "enough!” Then I asked them if they had ever thought about the hardships that Jesus endured. At first I received the old roll of the eyes and the "Oh, Mom!" response. But as I pushed further, my kids and I started to list all of the ways that Jesus overcame trouble, how he didn't give in to complaining, and the amazing gift of his sacrifice. After we listed these things, I found that the atmosphere in my car had changed. Instead of complaints there was a feeling of appreciation.

We all fall into the trap of complaining. It is so easy to do. But during this Lenten journey let us all make it our goal to appreciate the gifts of our Lord and savior. Let us open our eyes and hearts to the gifts we receive from God each and every day. And let us remember the words of this song, hoping that they will bring us new insights into the love and life of Jesus Christ. May your Lenten travels be blessed with reflection and God's love.