Going on a journey always takes some preparation. We may need tickets for a plane, bus or train trip. If we are driving by car we may need road maps and information on road conditions, construction or highway closures. Some of us may like to take in a cruise or guided tours pointing out places of interest. All these journeys take some planning and some preparation on our part to make the vacation a good experience.
Whenever I think about a journey I recall the story of my in-laws and how they would pack 5 small boys into the car and drive from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania to Rhein, Saskatchewan.
Their dear grandpa had already passed away many years before, but the trip was made yearly to visit grandma, aunts and uncles. The five small boys were close in age (all born within a four-year span, including a set of twins); they were extremely healthy active boys, occasionally obnoxious and always very bored. The trip was no holiday for them; they just wanted to get to grandma's house as soon as possible. That trip would take 3-4 days and dad never drove over 50 mph. Their days started at 3 a.m. and they drove well into the dark. Now that trip took more planning on my mother-in law's part - as much would be needed in the line of food and drinks and items to entertain the boys along the way.
If you are thinking you are unable to travel away from home because you are grieving the death of a loved one, this journey will not require any packing and can be taken in the comfort of your own home.
Today we talk about our 'Lenten Journey' and how we will prepare for Easter and what is to come. Lent is a time before Easter (40 days, not counting Sundays) when we usually think about giving up something or fasting, repenting from deeds that we have done, but most of all it is a time to prepare for Easter.
What will our Lenten journey look like? I am sure it will be different for each one of our readers. The choice is yours on how you will prepare. This Lenten season we will do well to recall where our Creator walked. Where will our feet take us? Will we be able to practice more patience or be willing to forgive those who did us wrong? Will we be able to show compassion and kindness to others? We each will make our own journey. Let this journey be one of healing for you and your family.
"Lent offers us an opportunity to deepen the meaning and value of our own lives."
Margaret Anne Yost nursed for 35 years. Returning back to school she completed classes from the Red River College in the areas of Gerontology, Bereavement, Death and Dying. For twelve years she worked in bereavement support at a funeral home.
At present she is employed as an Interim Parish Worker at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Melville Sask. She also enjoys her role as homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother.
