Every day I say to myself, today I will begin

Every day I say to myself, today I will begin. ~ Saint Anthony.

I am chronically “behind” on (almost) everything I would like to do: simple things and big things. I'm so behind that Beginning feels impossible because I'm in perpetual catch-up mode.

For example (a few “little things”), this purple cloth was not put on our altar for almost a week after Lent began. Today, I took out dried oranges from my dehydrator that have been there since before Christmas in hopes of decorating the house with them. (Hello, it’s March.) I have herbs that have dried and are still on my counter, which are now dusty and so not healthy for drinking, and blanched almonds still sitting in water.

As things pile up that are incomplete, it feels hard to Begin. 

But Saint Anthony reminds us of the grace given to us - and told to us in holy scripture - about starting anew not to be a weight upon our hearts but to be a gift. To ease our heavy burdens. 

Sometimes I say, “Today, I will begin.” But then I don’t - on repeat. When this happens, I feel like I'm just piling on and moving further from the starting (Beginning) line. But you know what I am doing, rising back up. And for me, that’s the first step towards Beginning. Or, maybe it is Beginning?

If you’re like me and sometimes don’t know how to Begin, let's put action towards One thing- any One thing today, and not be consumed with THE WHOLE PILE  - and PRAY.

With God’s help, we can Begin.  We can feel fresh and new each day.

“O God, come to my aid; O Lord, hasten to help me.”