Let’s talk about getting your (spiritual) house in order. If it isn’t already, right now is the perfect time for this conversation.
That’s because this is a big week of faith and renewal for millions of people around the world. For my Jewish friends, Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery and their exodus from Egypt, begins at sundown on Saturday, March 27, and ends Sunday evening, April 4. This week also happens to be Holy Week for Christians. The celebration of the Passion of Christ began Sunday with Palm Sunday and ends on April 3, Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.
So, let’s take a little time today to reflect on our spiritual life.
Just three short months ago, I wrote about how most of us normally anticipate the promise and promises of a new year, but many of us were still facing the brutal facts of our current global pandemic situation. You might remember that I talked about the “Stockdale Paradox” from Good to Great by Jim Collins and the importance of facing—head on—whatever realities come our way.
Sometimes that’s easier said than done, because, of course, 2020 was disastrous for many. And in 2021, we continue, as leaders, parents, students (whomever, really) to face ups and downs and starts and stops.
Perhaps we all need to have more faith.
I’m hearing more and more people in our coaching sessions talk about their desire to attend church or synagogue services. We are craving companionship, fellowship, togetherness. Many of us have a new resolve to focus on our faith. We envision a better prayer life, daily quiet time, regularly reading the Bible and other faith-related activities; we strive to act out our faith in daily life; we want to walk the talk. For many of us, this was part of the best intentions we set back in January.
But then we get busy and distracted. We let life’s swarm (and the difficulties of living through a pandemic) get in the way of embracing and enjoying our faith. The clear goals set back in January are now merely a passing thought for many.
During mass on January 1, our priest challenged us to “let go of all of the garbage” in our lives. That struck me then, and it comes back to me now. It’s far too easy to let the day-to-day “stuff” distract us from having a better, more rewarding spiritual life. It’s the garbage—the useless stuff, actual and perceived—that seals the deal and keeps us from focusing on our faith … from focusing on what really matters.
Let this important, faith-filled week reignite your desire for a more spiritual life.
Do you need to take out some garbage in order to make that happen? Do you need to stop dwelling on the past? Should you forgive someone? Do you need to kick some unhealthy habits? Are you angry and resentful? (Remember: Anger and resentment might get you in trouble, but pride keeps you there.)
That’s the kind of garbage that needs to go out!
You deserve better. You deserve peace. Believe me when I say that the good stuff is in front of you! Make sure you have room for it.
I challenge you to renew your resolution for a better, more faithful life. That begins with throwing out the garbage that might be holding you back. Start fresh. This could be a big week for you. It could set the tone for the entire rest of this year.
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