Lenten Meditation for Today :

My cousin, Lucy, is fond of texting me daily “thoughts for the day,” in the form of brief prayers for the morning and evening.  And though the words change from day to day, the essence of each prayer remains the same: “Don’t be afraid.  We are in God’s care day and night.  Let go and let God do the worrying.”  Easier said than done!  By nature, we are worriers.  So, pick a new mantra to start your day and another to ease your bedtime.  When I’m stressed, my personal favorite is Philippians 4:13. It gives me strength and courage no matter how often I repeat it.  It never grows old.

This Lent, find that verse that speaks to your heart and mind.  Sit with it in stillness and let the words wash over you with the reminder that God is here and God’s love surrounds us and manifests itself in ways large and small — smiles, kind words, hugs, a loving touch, a nod of encouragement, a joyous dance, tears shed together, shared meals, laughter, voices raised in song, and the beauty of nature.      

Amen.