My New Happy: Good Friday

Friday, March 25, 2016

Good Friday


Lent is coming to an end, and today, Good Friday, is a mournful day which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus.  Tomorrow is Holy Saturday, followed by the "super bowl" of the church year, Easter Sunday.

My faith is very important to me, although I don't write much about it on the blog.  I'm not one to preach to others, as I think a relationship with God is very personal, and it's not my business to try to influence or change that. I was raised Catholic, and although I don't agree with all of its teachings, it's still my church of choice.


During the forty days of Lent, we are encouraged to give something up, in order to offer that sacrifice up to God.  For the past few years, I have also chosen to "add" something to my life, to grow as a person in my faith.  This year, thanks to a suggestion from Katie, I have been participating in a daily email devotional from Dynamic Catholic called Best Lent Ever.

On Thursday we were asked to write a "what if" letter to ourselves.  As Matthew Kelly says in his book Rediscover Jesus,
"We all die, and yet, so often we conduct our lives as if we were going to live forever.  If you knew you were going to die one year from today, how would you change your life?  Why are you waiting?  Life is short.  Too often we take for granted next week and next month and next year.  We make plans for the future, not knowing if that future will be given to us.  God gives us life one moment at a time, and he wants us to experience life in every breath we take."
This isn't a new concept for me, and over the course of my life I've written several "what if" letters in my head.  But recently, beginning with the death of my father, I've really given it some serious thought.  I often wonder if he would have lived his life differently had he known that his time on this earth was coming to an end.

As for me, what if I knew I only had one year to live?  I would be kinder - to my family, my friends, and every person I met.  I would slow down and enjoy each day, instead of planning for the next thing.  I would surround myself with people who love me and only want the best for me.  I would tell my friends and family how much I love them, every day.  I'd quit caring about wrinkles and pounds and pants sizes.  And I wouldn't spend one second worrying about the future, because that day would be here soon enough.


It's no coincidence that Easter occurs in the spring.  It is a time of rebirth and renewal that happens through grace and faith.  Easter presents an opportunity to learn from that rebirth and turn the "what ifs" into "right nows".  And I plan to do just that.

Happy Easter Weekend!


26 comments:

  1. I always LOVE your beautiful words and outlook!! I have a strong Faith that I don't talk about on the blog either but the hope and renewal our Savior brings is far greater than us! He is Risen and I'm so grateful! I hope you have an "Egg"cellent Easter weekend full of fun, love and laughter!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful words and post. Love you lots, friend. Have a happy Easter.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy Easter Lana... I think we should all write a 'what if' letter... what an eye opener it is, reminding ourselves of the truth that we only have today... xox

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is such a beautiful post. We all need to slow down and write what if letters. It really makes you think! Happy Easter!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great post! Military Husband is Catholic as well!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sometimes I love to live as if it is my last year. It's such a different way to be.
    Happy Easter to you!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Happy Easter to you and your family Lana! xx Abby

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautiful post, Lana. I have to say...I would do a few things different if I knew I only had a year to live. It makes you think. I hope you have a peaceful and happy Easter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lori. I need to do some things differently.

      Delete
  9. I just finished up a 47 Lent study with SheReads. I haven't heard of the study you are doing, but I love this exercise. I have never really asked myself this question and I'm not sure why. It is a good one to ask yourself though... I also like the idea that you add something during Lent. I am Lutheran as was baptized Catholic, it is always nice to read about others faith on their blogs. I probably don't blog about it enough. Happy Easter!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm never sure whether or not to blog about faith - but this just seemed right!

      Delete
  10. Religion is something I'm really confused about lately. I don't know where i stand and what i believe. This was a very good read! You need to plan a trip to San Francisco this September so we can meet up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. San Francisco would be fun! One of my favorite cities.

      Delete
  11. I have been trying to live more in the moment. My daughter was home from college last week, and I tried to be "present" in every moment of the unexpected opportunity to spend some quality time together (which is why I am just now commenting on this post!) You do a nice job of reminding us of what is important in life - which is one of the reasons why I always enjoy your posts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Susan. I hope you had a great time with your daughter!

      Delete

Reading your comments is one of the best parts of blogging! I read and appreciate them all!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...