Prologue:
When I received the book, "Resisting Happiness" as the Christmas gift to our Parish, I was so excited! I love Matthew Kelly books. I've read several of them and always feel like I come away as a better version of myself. Within the first few days of the new year, I set out to read this new book as my morning prayer devotional. To be honest, I have been a huge failure in a morning prayer ritual. I have the best intentions, but then decide I'd rather sleep longer or get caught up in the morning routine and slowly by surely it has completely been removed from my day to day. I'll try to start back up, but end up failing again. This is exactly what has happened with this book. Which is quite ironic since the whole premise of the book is around resistance...not doing what we know we should be doing to become the best version of ourselves.
When the Best Lent Ever email arrived this year, I was really happy. This program really changed my heart and my life last year. To take the time each morning with a chapter of the "Rediscovering Jesus" book, then set aside time each afternoon for the video and reflection, I found the Lenten Journey to be much more fulfilling. And through that fulfillment, I was able to change the scope of my life. When I realized the Best Lent Ever program would follow the new book I received at Christmas, "Resisting Happiness," I literally did a happy dance. I had been wanting to read the book and now I can in what I am sure will be a much more fulfilling way. Because of this program, I look forward to Lent...as an opportunity to give up, limit, grow and begin a new.
Day One - Resistance
God created man for happiness. Good Friday restores the possibility for happiness. Resistance gets in the way of me being the best version of myself. Resistance is real. Resistance is the slayer of dreams. This Lent, I will learn to conquer Resistance.
To do this, I need to put effort into everything I do. Worrying is a strong form of resistance. I will put my trust in God to transform my thoughts and actions into being present to the things that really matter.
What is one way I have encountered resistance today?
Beginning my day in prayer was my first encounter with resistance today. Although I took a few minutes to read the daily reflection and the first chapter of the book, it was rushed and more of just have to do it response than a meaningful, purposeful action.
Challenge:
Be aware of every time I encounter resistance this week.
Prayer:
God, I invite you into my daily battle with resistance this Lent. Give me the courage to name, define, recognize and overcome resistance in my life.
Amen.
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