We did it differently this year. We went to the morning mass. This meant my kiddos were a bit late to school, but you know what? For some reason I felt called to go to this mass. Britt only missed one class, and Brailey only missed half of yoga. Satan was doing his work, trying to get us not to go. I worried if this was the right decision. And as we walked in, our beloved priest asked us if we were sure we wanted to come, because it would be a longer mass with all the students from the school coming. Both Brailey and Britt were worried about missing class. We had doubts if it was a good decision. But we were there, and so we went, and I said a quick prayer that is was the right mass, and that I had made a good decision. And then it came, a little voice telling me it was. The same voice told me it was Satan trying to talk us out of it. Instead of feeling impatient or annoyed with all the students filing into the church, I felt a sense of gratitude come over me, and I felt so much joy in seeing those children. I felt so happy to be Catholic. I loved watching them do all the readings and prayers and sing in the choir. At one point, a little guy, probably in pre-school, started crying and his teacher picked him up, wrapped her arms around him and carried him to the back of the church as he was crying, "I want my mommy!" For some reason, this made me cry. It was, for me, a very emotional mass. I really don't know why, but I do know I am glad we went to this mass and experienced Ash Wednesday with all those kids and a few other parishioners. I feel very spiritual and hopeful this Lent. I started my day with prayers for friends and family and prayers for enemies. I shared on Facebook a post of one of my favorite Train songs, Calling All Angels. This song has come on the radio in my car every single day for the past four days. In fact, it came on as we were driving to mass this morning. To say I love this song is an understatement. I love all Train songs, but this one speaks to me more than most. I don't know what it means that it has been coming on, but I felt compelled to share it, just like I felt compelled to take my kids to the early Ash Wednesday mass. I don't believe in coincidences - I believe there are reasons for everything. And so I wish you all a blessed season of Lent and may you spread love, kindness and joy everywhere you go.
