Today’s Ash Wednesday. The beginning of the Lenten season. I’ve been giving this a lot of thought this year. I’ve been praying and seeking to know how to move within this season.
I’ve been paying attention to what speaks to my heart, that which will bring me closer to Jesus.
I sure can make things more complicated than they need to be. Second guessing and triple checking my choices to make sure I’m toeing the line.
And yes, that’s the correct way to say “toe the line.” It’s one of those things auto-correct kept changing from tow to toe and so, I did some investigating. Who knew?!! I guess this time auto-correct got something, right. HA!
I digress.
My son has been bugging me to do something with our old family VHS tapes. He told me how I could do it, sent me links to equipment I could purchase and then “easily” use to convert tapes into a digital format.
Ummmm. No. That’s not my jam. Clearly it wasn’t really his either, since he wasn’t volutneering for the job himself. Go figure. Those who can, do. Those who can’t…tell you what you should do. Er, umm, I mean teach. HA!
The new year came in like a wrecking ball and I decided to finally do something about those old VHS tapes. So, I looked up various services that were willing to do the job and happily take my money.
I boxed up 20 VHS tapes and sent them merrily on their way on a wing and a prayer. I didn’t tell Justin I was doing it. I wanted to surprise him.
Little by little each video tape is being digitized and making their way into my account. I shared the link with Justin and he immediately started watching home videos.
Me. Well, I wasn’t sure I wanted to dive in just yet. Memories are tricky business. Sometimes opening up doors you’ve closed for whatever reason can bring a flood of emotions you’ve either forgotten, pushed down, remember with affection or placed a Scarlett O’Hara label on them and just don’t want to think about that right now or you’ll go crazy.
Off an on for days, I opened the app and looked at the video thumbnails. Off and on for days, I closed the app without watching a single video.
Then Justin and my granddaughter came for a visit and we decided to watch one. It’s one I wanted to watch and he hadn’t yet, but after watching it, I realized I wasn’t 100% mentally prepared.
It’s one thing to go through and live things once and for the first time. But, oooooh weeeeeee, child, it’s a whole other level to watch “yesteryear” with today’s gained knowledge.
Can you say self criticism? I bet you can.
Good grief lady, what’s all this got to do with Lent? I’m so glad you asked. 😉
I’ve made plenty of posts about being careful how we talk/treat ourselves. It’s a lot easier to talk about how to be kind to you, than it is to walk it out. Just keeping it real.
While I’ve gotten better about swatting away the self-negatives, I still have a ways to go. It’s a journey, not a race.
Hindsight being 20/20 is great for teaching and growth, but not so great when used as a shoulda, coulda, woulda, tool.
So, for this Lenten season, I’m going to give up the negatives. How that looks for me is personal, and will require me to stick closer to Jesus and allow Him to show me where I’ve possibly allowed a stronghold to take up residence.
God didn’t create the world and everything in it and call it no good. He deemed it ALL very good. So, let’s see where this journey leads.
Today, I’m starting out with the greatest reminder. Jesus loves me. Jesus loves me. Jesus loves me.
He loved me first. He loves me best. He’s the teacher. Because, well, He did it first, and He does it best.
Whether you choose to do something for this Lenten season is totally personal, and up to you.
But, I hope, at least for this day, you remember how very loved you are by a very perfect and good God.
Peace and love to all! 🥰
Thought I’d share this song with you. Makes my heart smile.
Blessed to be Broken 
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