After a long, tiring, rainy day there is nothing more comforting than walking into the CCM building and becoming filled with the familiar and calming scent of incense. Adoration today was exactly what I needed. To sit and be still for an hour in the presence of the Lord. Thank You for sending me Your spirit today.
Father Jim made an awesome point today. I've gotten this question so many times: "Why do you believe that you have to go to confession to receive forgiveness for your sins?" Well, that's not what we believe. God forgives us just the same if we come to Him in the quiet of our own hearts. It doesn't make a difference to Him at all where you are. He's always listening. He knows when we are truly sorry and He would never withhold his mercy from anybody.
With that said, we don't technically have to go. And using the phrase "have to" implies it's like a chore or something we must check off the to-do list to get to heaven. Where's the joy in that? Rather than thinking of it as something we have to do, we should see it as something amazing that we get to participate in. It's a celebration of the belief that God forgives us no matter what! How wonderful! And the same goes for communion. But I'll stop ranting, you get the point. :)
I hope that whoever you are, wherever you may be, you find peace today. If you find yourself in despair, find peace in knowing that this life is only temporary. There is something better in store for you and God wants you to be a part of it! But right now he needs you here, on earth. And He wants you to be happy. He hates to see you upset. If you have trouble believing this, I challenge you. Close your laptop, put your phone away, and find someplace quiet. Spend just five minutes in silence, waiting for the Lord.
I promise you will not regret it. :)
You send the rain
and life begins.
So rain on us and reign within our lives again.
-Tenth Avenue North <3