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I've been so bad about blogging! We've had stuff going on, too--like 2 birthdays and interesting weather and all that. But the bright side of my neglect is that it's because I've been so busy with writing work. I have re-connected to a good client who just has all sorts of potential for future work and references to other clients, we have already made 3 times as much income in February as we did in January. My sweetie is helping me, and we're a great team. I have a professional designer working on my website for free (he's a church goer and doesn't have any money to tithe, so this is how he gives. I have no problem with taking that kind of charity!).
I am loving this work-at-home stuff. Matt's home with me a lot, and that's nice--we actually kind of like each other.
It's already Ash Wednesday. We started meatless Lent today--so I had to pack lunches for the kids. David was so excited that he got to take a lunch box, I thought his little head would pop off. I don't think people are supposed to be that happy about Lent. Besides meatless, another change our family is making (to really kick up the suffering) is that Matt is getting a break from cooking. Yes, I am going to cook all throughout Lent. It's going to be quite a penitential time for everyone. If the kids weren't grateful for their father before, they will be by the time Easter rolls around.
Here's a quotation that our bishop sent out. It's written by Henri Nouwen, whom some of you may be familiar with. I like it because it stresses that we don't give up things for Lent because they are bad; rather, we give them up to make ourselves into people who may enjoy many things, but need nothing but the love of God.
The world with its challenges is not a bad place for you.... There is stimulation, excitement, movement and a lot to see, hear, taste and enjoy. The world is only evil when you become its slave. The world has a lot to offer-just as Egypt did for the children of Jacob-as long as you don't feel bound to obey it. The great struggle facing you is not to leave the world, to reject your ambitions and aspirations or to despise money, prestige or success, but to claim your spiritual truth and to live in the world as someone who doesn't belong to it. It is exciting to win a competition, it is interesting to meet influential people, it is inspiring to listen to a concert at Lincoln Center, to see a movie or to visit a new exhibition at the Metropolitan. And what's wrong with good friends, good food and good clothes?
I believe deeply that all the good things our world has to offer are yours to enjoy. But you can enjoy them truly only when you can acknowledge them as affirmations of the truth that you are the Beloved of God. That truth will set you free to receive the beauty of nature and culture in gratitude, as a sign of your Belovedness. That truth will allow you to receive from your society and to celebrate life. But that truth will also allow you to let go of what distracts you, confuses you and puts in jeopardy the life of the Spirit within you....
What's everyone else doing for Lent?
