The other day I mentioned in passing something that I was ‘giving up’ for Lent. A friend made noises about how ‘good’ I was to do that. I was embarrassed. I’d not said it for glory or praise or for recognition of pious deeds. I had mentioned it because giving this thing up will impact others so they needed to know but, in making it public it did indeed feel like I was trying to big myself up.
I replied that I often felt like I was struggling rather than being good. “Maybe,” she said, “you are struggling in the right direction!?” I have thought about that and decided isn’t that what all people of faith are trying to do, struggle along through life in the hope that they’re heading in the right direction at least some of the time?? A bit like the photograph at the top ~ we journey on in hope and trust, not always being able to see our destination; being guided [protected?] on all sides by something solid and reliable [God] with opportunities to reassess and reflect along the way [the little stone seat on the right].
It always interests and amazes me when people say nice things about me because often I feel anything BUT nice on the inside. However, it’s proof that Christ lives in me and works through me because the good ‘they’ see is not me at all but Christ. I alone am nothing much at all.
Todays scripture conveniently consolidates yesterdays thoughts: ~
31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 NIV ~ UK
Verse 33b sums it up perfectly “for I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that THEY may be saved.” Couldn’t [and didn't] put it better myself 
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Dearest Sharon,
Nice to “see” you again and read your posts. Don’t be too hard on yourself. I think the idea of sacrifice, especially at Lent, is a good idea. I try to “give something up” as well as do a little extra “good works.”
I do agree with you that people of faith are on the move toward achieving the ultimate goal: Heaven.
I think we all struggle toward the road home to Heaven. At times, we fall, but we need to pray for grace to continue. We have the perfect examples in Christ, Holy Mother Mary and the Saints, who urge us on.
It’s also hard to believe that Lent will be here in a scant week and a half.
With love and prayers,
Gail
Dear Gail ~ Lent has indeed come round really fast this year. I always look forward to it as a time of hope and renewal. Re the struggle ~ it goes with the territory doesn’t it?? You need a few ‘downs’ to appreciate the ‘ups’… It does sometimes feel like two steps forward, three steps back.
I wish you a blessed lenten journey.
with love
S xx
I identify with the phrase “struggling in the right direction”
But I also recognise that sometimes I struggle too much, when I could let go and let God struggle on my behalf. I’m trying to do that just now and go with the flow of the Holy Spirit.
I wish you a blessed Lent. I can’t quite believe how quickly it’s come around too!
Blessings, A xx
I agree Autumn, I’m not very good at giving it up to God either. I tend to only get to that stage once I’m at my wits end which is a bit silly really.
I’m really looking forward to Lent this year…
Blessings S xx