Have you ever stopped to think about how important details are? How countless white and yellow lines painted on roads keep millions of people safe day in and day out. How the exact amount of ingredients, down to a quarter of a teaspoon can make or break a delicious recipe. How the precise words you choose to express yourself can either unite or separate you from family and friends. Details are very important.
Yet, at the same time, how important are they really? One day, I was feeling especially exasperated by my children and stepped outside for a walk. As I took a deep breath, my gaze rose upward. I took in the blue sky and the clouds on that lovely day. My thoughts turned heavenward. I was reminded once again of my goal: to be welcomed into those pearly gates. One argument from my tween, one act of disobedience from my 10-year-old and one temper tantrum from my toddler should not shake me. Those details are not important. What is important is allowing those moments to take me one step closer to heaven.
At this point in our Lenten journey, we may be tempted to focus on the details. “I’ve failed in my resolutions 62 times!” or “I can’t stand one more bite of this nasty fish!” We may even feel like crying out like those in the first reading: “Terror on every side!” Yet, when it’s all said and done, that’s not what these 40 days are all about. Each detail is simply a means to reach our heavenly goal.
During times of difficulty, may we take comfort in the words of the Psalm Response: “In my distress, I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.” May we be like one of the many who came to Jesus in the Gospel and believed in Him. May our goal always outshine the details, no matter how important they are.
¿Alguna vez te has puesto a pensar en la importancia de los detalles? En cómo las incontables líneas blancas y amarillas pintadas en las carreteras mantienen a millones de personas seguras día tras día. En cómo la cantidad exacta de ingredientes, hasta un cuarto de cucharadita, puede hacer que una receta deliciosa sea un éxito o un fracaso. En cómo las palabras precisas que eliges para expresarte pueden unirte o separarte de tu familia y amigos. Los detalles son muy importantes.
Sin embargo, al mismo tiempo, ¿cuán importantes son realmente? Un día, me sentía especialmente exasperada con mis hijos y salí afuera a caminar. Al respirar profundamente, mi mirada se elevó. Contemplé el cielo azul y las nubes del hermoso día. Mis pensamientos se dirigieron hacia el cielo. Recordé una vez más mi objetivo: ser recibida en las puertas del cielo. Una discusión con mi preadolescente, un acto de desobediencia de mi hijo de 10 años y un berrinche de mi hijita no deberían afectarme. Esos detalles no son importantes. Lo importante es permitir que esos momentos me acerquen un paso más al cielo.
En este punto de la Cuaresma, podemos sentirnos tentados a centrarnos en los detalles. “¡He fallado en mis propósitos 62 veces!” o “¡No soporto ni un bocado más de este pescado asqueroso!” Incluso podemos sentir ganas de clamar como aquellos en la primera lectura que proclamaban terror por todas partes. Sin embargo, al fin y al cabo, de eso no se trata estos 40 días. Cada detalle es simplemente un medio para alcanzar nuestra meta celestial.
En tiempos de dificultad, que encontremos consuelo en las palabras del Salmo: “en mi angustia le grité a mi Dios…y mi grito llegó a sus oídos”. Que seamos como los muchos que se acercaron a Jesús en el Evangelio y creyeron en Él. Que nuestra meta siempre resplandezca por encima de los detalles, por muy importantes que sean.
Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adult she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.
Feature Image Credit: Sixteen Miles Out, unsplash.com/photos/baking-ingredients-and-tools-arranged-on-a-white-surface-KH9iqmoE374
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Daily Reading
Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Reading 1 Jeremiah 20:10-13 I hear the whisperings of many:“Terror on every side!Denounce! let us denounce him!”All those who were my friendsare on the watch for any misstep of mine.“Perhaps…
Saint of the Day
Saint John of Egypt
Saint John of Egypt, a carpenter turned hermit, sought solitude in the desert, becoming a famed spiritual guide and healer in 4th-century Assiut, Egypt. The post Saint John of Egypt