When Prayers are Answered.

Do you know what a pain it is to pack up everything you own and move from one place to another?

Making decisions about what to keep and what to throw out. Do I really need two black blazers? Or will one do? Do I need to keep the mementos from college that have no other use than to remind me of some of the best times of my life? Can someone else use the linens that I don't need anymore but are still in decent condition? Or do I just throw them out? Should I put this in storage? Will I need it in my new home?

Finding people who are gracious enough to help transport said items from place to place is another thing. I feel for people with trucks and big vehicles. Do they purchase said vehicles knowing that their peers will ask them to help with things like this? I mean, my little Chevrolet can only fit so much, so it's a no-brainer to accept help wherever I can get it.

Packing. I was lucky enough to have a friend who brought me 30-something boxes! Still, the process of putting everything into boxes was a tiring one. It eventually got to the point where I just threw stuff into tote bags and hoped for the best.

If the last week has taught me anything, it has been the reinforcement that when God answers prayers, it usually isn't just an automatic response. There's a lot of growing that comes with answered prayers. This process of moving across town has been one of growth in both expected and unexpected ways. And it's coming at a great time: Lent.

Did I mention that this process of moving was done in the snow? Sidewalks were icy; flurries were falling; wind was blowing. And it was cold. But now it's over. The struggle wasn't so bad. And I made it through it. As the season of Lent begins, I remember that. It's only day one, and I feel as if the prospect of the Crucifixion is too heavy to bear - and it is...if I tried to do it alone. Moving across town wasn't something I could have done alone, so why would I think that I can carry on through Lent by myself? Am I inviting the whole world into my fasts, prayers and giving? Not necessarily, but I do have a renewed focus on how Jesus invites us into his suffering.

My spiritual director gave me a verse to memorize:

"Now I rejoice in my suffering for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of His Body, which is the Church." - Colossians 1:24

This is a verse that I am keeping with me throughout the Lent journey. Whatever the suffering may be: moving in snow, fasting, giving when you feel like you can't give anymore. It is made more meaningful when it is united to the suffering of Christ.