Thankful Thursdays

Some weeks gratitude comes easy. This week, it feels especially sacred, and a bit more personal.

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, and this year it fell on my mom’s birthday. Having it land on a day that reminds us how fragile and fleeting life is hit differently this time. It felt heavy, but also comforting in a strange way. Reminds me that even from ashes, God is still working. Still bringing meaning. Still bringing hope.

My mom showed me what faith looks like in real life. Not just something you say, but something you live. The way you love people. The way you show up. The way you trust God even when nothing makes sense. She passed away in 2017, yet I feel her guidance every day. Her legacy still guides me in ways I cannot fully put into words. And yes, sometimes I still hear her voice in my head about a lot of different things. But this one comes up a lot: “Consuelo, llévate el suéter.” Like if wearing a sweater could guarantee you never get sick. Please, everybody knows it’s only 97% effective. Still, it’s so ingrained that I never leave home without a sweater, EVER. Eighty degrees, sweater in hand.

As Lent begins, I’m holding gratitude a little tighter and asking God to help me live out what she taught me. Today, and always, I am so very grateful for her.

Friends, I pray this Lenten season brings all of us back to what really matters.

What are you thankful for today?

Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
-A. Schweitzer

“For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
-Genesis 3:19

“Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves… What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment’s hesitation.”
-C. Doherty