Nothing to Say - Lent Journal (14/40)

Honestly I have nothing to say or contribute tonight. I think some of that is just because there has been so much changing in the past 48 hours, and my words don't seem like they will make much of an impact.

I was supposed to volunteer tonight with the homeless shelter, but overnight those in charge decided it was best to close, for the sake of the residents and the volunteers. I have to admit, I was partly relieved because it's been a long week; but mostly it's just disappointing.

I think when everything is going wrong, we want to feel like we can fix it all. Make it all go away, and save the day. Be everything for everyone, and solve all the problems. Barring that - we want to feel like we can do something to lighten the burden just a bit.

We don't want to feel helpless. Perhaps we don't want to feel unneeded. Maybe it's the fact that we are made in the imago Dei that makes us want to love so hard.

I think we also are becoming more aware of our true interdependence. Especially in our isolated American culture, maybe we will rediscover just how much we need each other. We need only open our eyes and see those who will go without, and offer from either the abundance or the limited supplies that we have. Though I haven't figured out how to do that if we all remain at home where it is safe, while those who are struggling live on the other side of town.

I don't know - I just know that it is in moments of uncertainty and anxiety that we see saints both great and small.

As I said, I don't know that I have anything to say that hasn't already been said by experts and those in authority. Pray. Fast. Give Alms. Keep your eyes open for those who are without. Judge for yourself whether you can serve best at home with your families, or out on the streets with those who have neither. If you are able, allow yourself to be stretched for the sake of others.