- * Assembly Required *
Isn’t it so much easier when something arrives whole, finished, and perfect? Who has the time or patience to tinker with parts of this or pieces of that, and institute or shove them into their corresponding or designated locations? The completed project is always preferred and superior.
Or is it?
My daughter, Jessica’s, two tiered makeup organizer sat outside on the porch bench with the rest of the mail today. Once opened, she stated, “It needs assembly,” in a ghastly tone.
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“No big deal,” I quipped back as I scanned the contents, “You only have to insert the pole, and attach the smaller secondary level.”
Her head tilted downward, and her eyes peering upward she semi-scowled, “It needs a screwdriver,” as if acquiring one were on a par with earning The Nobel Peace Prize. She opted to look through a small container on a shelf where tiny eyeglass screwdrivers are kept.
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“They won’t work. They’re too small,” I gingerly eased into her proposed shortcut.
Huffs and puffs of displeasure spouted with a furrowed brow, “I don’t want to go down stairs,” she declared.
I fetched the screwdriver.
Easy, instantaneous, and free of labor: these are the conditions we hope to inject into our lives.
With the 40 days of Lent beginning, we are called to slow down, to inspect our internal “pieces and parts” in order to evaluate what is working and what requires adjustments, introspection, compassion, and love. The last two are mandatory, and will assure a more peaceful journey and a heightened prospect for a permanent and enabled outcome.
The makeup organizer was quick and effortless, although she did have to tug a little on the handle to align the two holes – phew!
What about our Souls? Exactly what tools should we utilize to fix, assemble, and transform? Oh, if only it were as simple as a screwdriver! No thinking, no looking within, no bother, and presto, we would be set to go.
The Soul is delicate and unique, which renders cold, hard, mechanical instruments and the “one type fits all” mindset useless. We must confront what we bury and attempt to hide. This takes some courage so push aside bashfulness or short-sighted frailties, because this is a heartfelt demonstration of willingness, openness, and reconciling love. It’s time to pull out your spiritual tools: prayer, reflection, fasting, meditation, and even speaking with a trusted friend can help to weed out the doldrums, and plant seeds for fruity gum drops to blossom.
Be kind to yourself when you look within. Do not judge. Acknowledge what is present, and request that whatever saddens you be removed or neutralized. Ask for Jesus’ help; He will guide you.
Keep focused on your finished product. Remember, assembly is not a dirty chore, but rather a blessing that permits arrangement and organization with our inner voice and perspective, and leaves behind our unprecedented and joyful footprint.
What will you do with the 40 days of Lent?
Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
The next HEaling Link ® meeting is March 3, 2015 @ 7:30pm.
For more information, please contact: HEalingLink03@gmail.com
