Lenten Schedules and Faithfulness

Image credit: Pixabay.com (2015), CC0/PD[/caption] As a mom of five children, ages nine down to a six-month-old, I rarely have a moment of quiet. Topping it off, my husband and I have four energetic boys. As the birth of every child brings change, baby number five, who was born in September was no different. It was a new school year, our first-year homeschooling after six years at a Catholic school, while also welcoming a sweet baby boy – quite an experience. But with babies come schedule changes. It is to be expected, as the schedule of a newborn is never in line with that of the family. It's remarkable how this little person can command an entire household with his cries. It’s a beautiful and tiring reality! This schedule adjustment is quite a humbling experience, especially for first-time parents, but it is good to remember that we only have a short time with the little bébé. Instead of forcing our infants, or even toddlers, to join our schedule, let's enjoy those spontaneous moments. It can be pretty difficult to let go of our daily routines, but necessary for a healthy family. Before children, I preferred my schedules, and pre-planned activities, but now all those schedules and lists seem so silly. When I was pregnant with my first child, everyone had an opinion on how to get that little bundle of joy on a strict schedule. Whether it was a feeding schedule, a diaper changing schedule, or a sleep schedule. The funny thing is that I never really cared to hear about these schedules, because growing up with three younger brothers, I knew these schedules weren’t probable.

Copyright 2019 Danielle Heckenkamp. All rights reserved.[/caption] Welcoming a baby into the world is one of the most beautiful blessings from God. With that life brings a love deeper than one ever imagine, a desire to kiss those cheeks, to hold that sleeping baby for hours, and of course, the interrupted sleep. These early days are both overwhelming and enjoyable as new parents, but we can find consolation in patiently adjusting our schedules to fit in union with our children, just as God patiently waits for us. Our Sweet Jesus waits for us and loves us even through our lukewarm intentions, our lack of gratitude, our faithless prayers, our failed resolutions, and our constant tantrums of asking for more. God does not force us to love Him, but waits for our hearts to turn towards Him in humble supplication. So just as parents sit and hold that sleeping baby while lovingly gaze upon their beautiful face, we can imagine an even deeper love radiating from God as he mercifully awaits our reversion. He holds us in His Sacred Heart waiting for us to wake up joyful and with a heart willing to return His love. During this Lenten Season, let’s bring our weak and feeble hearts before Our Lord and amend to joyfully adjust our schedule in union with His Will as we contemplate His Passion and Death on the Cross.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)