5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.-1Cor 2:5

     So every year around now as spring approaches I find my thoughts floating to topics like “when should I start seeding and fertilizing”, “how do I find a way to surf…everyday”, and of course “what do I give up for Lent?”!       A while back I had read an article about how people tend to try and keep God at a safe distance. Almost like we’re don’t want to get too close to him out of fear of what He’ll ask us to do. When I first read it I was moved by the idea, but quickly let the thought fade away. Then, as Ash Wednesday crept closer the typical “Lent” conversations that take place between Catholics began to happen and I was reminded of the article. Although there has been a few people that were truly looking to test themselves and sacrifice, most had a reserved or even nonchalant attitude about it. What’s funny is, as I would listen to other people talk, in my mind, I would pass judgment. Either commending them for being willing to do so much, or silently chastising for not. But it wasn’t until this morning that it all became clear. My judgmental thoughts were meant for me.  I realized that over the last year or so I’ve become almost complacent in my faith. And what I mean by that is for a long time I saw myself as someone who was, for lack of a better, aggressive with my faith.  But at some point I started living my faith based on the actions from the past. I’m not sure if it’s ignorance or vanity that somehow made me believe that my ideas, my thoughts, or my plans were somehow better or greater than His. That the view I have of myself has become so distorted to think that I can judge anyone.  The truth is I’m not worthy to judge myself, much less others.  Delving a bit deeper on this spiritual realization I thought of last Lent.  It was a less than stellar performance on my part.  The entire situation is truly disappointing when I put it all together.  So here we are, it all starts tomorrow.  Lent.  When I think about all the things I have asked of God over the course of my life, between daily prayers to the more serious pleas, then I can absolutely do something for Him for 40 days.  So as the sun rises on Wednesday I’ll be doing a little seeding and fertilizing on a spiritual level.  And like Peter in the midst of the wind and waves said…

                  28 … “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

                   29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 

-Matt 14:28-29 If Peter was willing to put aside his fears and bring God close to him and “surf” with Christ, then I will too…everyday. Last week I spoke with someone how aggressive I would respond when I felt that someone was attacking my faith. Looking at it now, “aggressive” doesn’t sound very Christ like, so now it’s a time for “active patience”. No judgements. No quick gut reactions. But absolutely living and sharing the Faith regardless of what or who is in front of me. After all the blessings that God has given me in my life I’m not gonna keep Him or His plan at a distance anymore. So if His plan has me and Kerri as missionaries, teaching the Word, a little of both, or just doing what I’m doing as long as I’m “surfing every day” it’s all good.
Remember to always Live the faith.
God bless.