“What do I have to do today?” That is a question I dare say many of us ask ourselves as we roll out of bed and try to get ready for life’s adventures. How about asking ourselves, “What should I try to love today?”
Let us pray.
Lord, help me to love life today. Yes, there are uncertainties and challenges to meet, but I have breath, energy, and abilities you have given me, so I can do my best. May I be positive, may I be grateful, may I be faithful with you by my side.
Lord, help me to love light today. In the light of day, and in your holy enlightenment, may I see situations positively. May I find ways to help others quell disparity and disagreements.
Lord, help me to love leniency today. Of course laws and boundaries are necessary, but may I be understanding, patient. and sympathetic where I can be. Lord, you have been lenient and forgiving with me; may I follow your holy example.
Lord, help me to love laughter today. As I love it, I hope to find ways of spreading it in gentle and appropriate ways. Laughter can be a way to unity and sympathy. It can ease anxiety. It can smooth the way in life’s demands.
Lord, help me to love loyalty today. May I come closer to you and endeavor to change my little habits that are contrary to your will for me. In this world, it is so easy to be distracted or tempted to follow its ways instead of being loyal to your holy, saving plan for me. Lord, you never give up on me. Thank you!
Lord, help me to love learning today. There are so many chances to learn more about you through Sacred Scripture, sacraments, nature, other people, situations. I just have to be alert and attentive to those opportunities. Keep me persistent and open.
Lord, help me to love the little happy details in daily living, like the wagging tail of a friendly pup, the sweet song of the birds, the friendly wave of a neighbor passing by in his car. It is so easy to complain about little annoyances; change my mind and help me to substitute random praises to God who loves me.
With Lent coming soon, let’s start formulating a love plan that includes a new outlook on life, light, leniency, laughter, loyalty, learning, and life’s little details so that we will look forward to the best Easter ever!
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Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in south Florida. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.