“By and by the week came and went and it was Tuesday again…"

The rhythm and familiarity of this passage of time happens to us all.  It is very automatic. Some weeks it can seem like we are operating by rote. This repetitive phrase is a tool (known as the loop) used in story telling. The “loop” helps the storyteller and the listener connect and follow the action of the story. It symbolizes the passing of time—quickly.

Yep. Life is going quickly. We are in the eighth week of 2015…already!

 “By and by the week came and went and it was Tuesday again…"

This week we at Fine Tuned Families are working through our Families of The Way ministry to create a family retreat for St George Maronite Church, here in San Antonio, TX. (Learn more about them here: http://www.stgeorgesa.org/ )  The retreat is focused on sharing their faith and heritage with family through story sharing. And since the parish is celebrating their 90^th anniversary, there is a lot to share and celebrate!  We are very excited about this event and opportunity.  Watch this space for more news on the process. 

It was while we were deep in the process of getting this retreat ready that we realized….

 “By and by the week came and went and it was Tuesday again…"

We do not want this blog post or the fast approaching (tomorrow!) Lenten season to be rote or an automatic process. We also recognize that lent allows us to focus on the journey and sacrifice Jesus made for us all. During Lent, we surrender ourselves to prayer, fasting and giving of ourselves to prepare spiritually to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For the next 40 days, we parents, the first and primary teachers for our children, have the opportunity to reflect, renew and reshape our hearts and minds. 

How will you and your children approach Lent?  We pray it will be spirit filled and intentional.

Here is a simple and yet prayerful way to help you bring your Lenten journey in to focus: http://catholicmom.com/2012/03/05/printable-jar-petitions-for-lent/.

Until next week, may your time be filled with grace filled moments. If the time becomes hectic and automatic, hit the reset button.....and pray for peace.