The Phoenix – The Resurrection

March has been tough.

The month of March 2010 is almost over, and I know I will be celebrating Easter with a full heart on Sunday April 4th. Now, I know I can’t blame the month of March for the experiences I have had, but in the last 24 hours, I learned my high school choir teacher passed away, was in a meeting in which a board member resigned their position, and felt like everyone was angry with everyone else, was told by an instructor that she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and minutes later was in a huge fight with a good friend. Later, got home, and received and e-mail that a family member had passed away. I am just feeling rather numb after the hours and hours I have been spending on a event that I am helping to coordinate for Monday.

In the middle of the month, I was helping with another big community event at the High School – the weekend of 3/13, I was at school from 6:30a-11:30p (and there the night before) then the very next weekend, was in Rancho Cuchamunga that weekend and was gone from 10a until 11pm after attending 2 different competitions with my daughter.

Was I gracious and grateful the whole month? Not even close. It is the season of "Lent" in the Catholic Church. For me, it has been the season of "Spent". I am exhausted. I think I failed the test of 40 days in the desert. This month I found myself apologizing too many times for losing my cool. One Sunday, I got into a fight with my daughter in the church!

There are angels and devils all around us. Halos and Horns. Why are we not able to be more patient and understanding? Why can’t we see into the hearts of men like God can? Why is it such a struggle?

Through all of this, there is love. I do feel it in my heart.
It is what gives the strength to ask for forgiveness, again.
Love. It is what gives me hope.
Love. It is what helps me to find the positive in very difficult situations.
Relationships will be strengthened, families will come together, tears will dry, anger will dissipate. The Phoenix rises from the ashes. The Lord will rise from the dead and we all will know, not of pain and heartache, but only of joy and love…one day.