March 14th, Sunday, Fourth Week of Lent

1 Samuel 16: 1b. 6-7. 10-13a, Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 (1), Ephesians 5: 8-14, John 9: 1-41

The line "He makes me lie down in green pastures;" has reminded me about a time quite a few years ago. It was a beautiful fall day and my family and I had decided to take advantage and go for a bike ride through Busse Woods. Although it can be a hectic ride with small children on their own bikes and adults careening along at top speed, the day itself proved to be restful and reflective in an odd sort of way. Much of the ride had been spent in the usual way, constantly looking forward and behind me to see if my girls were keeping up and keeping to their side of the sidewalk. I felt that the ride was not quite as relaxing as I pictured it was going to be. One girl was tired and wanting to know when we would be heading home and the other was the daredevil always wanting to go further and faster. I could feel my neck and back knotted up with the anxiety and stress of the day. It was about all I could take when the path took a turn through a lightly wooded area that I noticed peacefulness in the air. Suddenly I felt I was alone on the path and could hear nothing other than the breeze through the trees and feel the sun on my face. It was at that moment that I realized God was trying to tell me to slow down, take a breath and enjoy the day as it was with my family. This may have lasted only a quick moment, but the idea of enjoying all that God has given me has lasted much longer.

Lisa Pacini, wife, mother of Natalie, Marissa and Max, nurse.