Photo by BerndSold (2015) via Pixabay. CC0 Public Domain

For about four months now my heart and soul have been feeling very heavy. It could be because I have been going through many life changes, many of which have caused me to reflect on my life, the choices I have made, and the reasons I have made them.

Any time I reflect on my choices and try to answer the question, "How did I get here?" it causes me to really reflect and be honest with myself and with God. You might ask, "why God? Didn't you just say you were reflecting on your choices; remember God did give you free will."

He did give me free will and that is why I need to be honest with God and stop feeling sorry for myself by asking God and Mother Mary the million dollar question, "Why me?" I need to reflect on my choices, not the choices of those around me, and learn from them. This is not an easy task in any way. The weak and selfish parts of me want to blame others, criticize others, and label them too for my choices!

That is when Confession is just what I need. I remember as a kid and even young adult being nervous about confessing all my sins. Dreading the day and time that I would have to go to Confession. Now, though, I see confession as the beautiful sacrament and gift from God. When my load gets too heavy I look forward to turning to God for relief and telling God about the burdens, mistakes, and choices I have made all on my own.

This gift of Confession gives me a second, third, and infinite amount of  chances to start over and  make changes that will have long-term results in my life and those around me. It is a blessing to walk out of the confessional knowing there is a clean slate--an empty bag, if you will.

So I hope that when your load gets to heavy you will consider making it lighter by leaving it all in the confessional.

 

Copyright 2015 Elizabeth Desiderato
Photo by BerndSold (2015) via Pixabay. CC0 Public Domain