When I found this community, it was because I have a dear friend who was headed into exploratory surgery, and I had been searching the web looking for healing prayers and came upon this website.   The opportunities for learning and self-discovery appeal to me and I thought I'd find out what it's about.

     I am a 45 year old mother of a 5 year old daughter.  I live in Austin, Texas.  I would characterize my faith walk as a journey that continually surprises me and brings me joy.    I have had a number of roles within my faith life - ranging from mowing the lawn to heading up the long range planning committee to helping a friend determine his calling for ministry to organizing a parish visioning exercise.  And I've done everything in between.  Currently, I teach our faith stories to the 3 - 7 year olds. 

     I believe that God puts us in situations where we need to be at any given time - and that the universe unfolds itself in ways that may seem unfathomable at the time - but that make sense looking at the long term sequence of events.

     Currently, my professional life goes extremely well - but I strugglle in my personal life.  I find myself questioning decisions that I have made - which is counterproductive and antithetical to who I am.  I have always known intuitively, no matter what the circumstance, that the only way forward, is forward.  So, even though I feel stuck, I know the answer will come to me.  Probably not as an epiphany - although it may - but in the sense that I stumble into good - and realize that I have moved in the right direction.  In the meantime, I focus on my friends and my child and the love that I have for the people in my life.  And, I try - as much as possible - to make sure I am thankful every day for the gifts - and that I offer up the difficulties.  I think this outlook helps maintain my optimism and belief that life is at essence good. 

      I think Lent is a good time for this reflection.  It reminds me of my connection to God, and helps me to focus on quiet reflection and spiritual renewal.