Worth it

Today is Holy Monday. 

Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with costly perfume. She dried his feet with her hair. The fragrance filled the house. 

A theory is that everyone who would came in contact with Jesus during His final days would not be able to remove the smell of the perfume from their nostrils. This theory included those who condemned, scourged, beat, betrayed and crucified Jesus.  

Today I listened to the Bible in a Year podcast, Day 77. 

I admit I do not listen to the podcast every day. 

However, the podcast I listened to for today, spoke directly to my heart. 

Yesterday, I helped with the Confirmation retreat. I have loved being on the Confirmation team this past year! 

I gave a witness talk.

My story. 

I was so nervous speaking in front of 70 people. 

I thought telling my story would become easier each time I told it. 

Yet, I realized it's not easy.

Too often I fall into temptation to doubt the worth of my story.   

Sharing the vulnerable moments of my life is painful. 

But it's worth it.

When we don't want to fight the battles before us, Jesus reminds us that He already won the ultimate battle. 

I received gratitude and love after speaking from my heart at the retreat.

I explained in my testimony that Confirmation had a powerful impact on my life. 

I admitted that if it weren't for the Sacrament of Confirmation, I would not be here today. 

The grace from this Sacrament carried me through both good and hard times. 

Again, was it easy? No.

Was it worth it? Yes!

And this is where Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz fits into this blog.  

I will comment "Take Heart" below each of Fr. Mike's reflections. (Paraphrasing)

Bible in a Year - Day 77  

"When we're not willing to fight, people around us aren't willing to fight."

Take Heart! Fight, anyway! 

"We can't just say, "You do you, live your own life.."" 

Your life is not your own. Take hold of My Heart! 

"The reality is that we are not just individuals, we belong to each other." 

Take Heart and believe! It's not my story, it's our story. 

"We can say, I don't feel like doing what I am called to do right now. And it's fine, it's my life." 

"But we have to do our part. He has a plan for us. A place he wants us to go." 

"Becoming that person is a battle."

 "And if we aren't willing to fight, other people won't be able to fight." 

Be strong and of good courage. 

Take Heart! 

Breathe in His sweet perfume as we begin the holiest of holy weeks. 

Mads Schmidt Rasmussen