Singing in the Dark

I write this quickly, concerned that my Internet connection will disappear (again).  We're presently looking into changing our whole system – for yes, it has gotten that bad. 

It’s strange not to be able to access one's blog.  I have felt like I’ve lost the key to my house. 

Ah, but this is Lent.  I had a plan, this year, to have no plans.  To pray with Scripture and simply follow where Our Lord is leading.   This, I can do.  I don’t need technology for that.  I only need a heart willing to abandon my plans in favor of God’s.

And what picture did I have in mind just before the journey began?  That of a catacomb.  In a catacomb, there would be no Internet connections.  A catacomb is, in essence, a graveyard.  I think of it as a place of refuge, where Christians hid from persecutors in years past.  But in reality, it is a tomb. 

Not a particularly cheerful image, I know; but perhaps it's the perfect one to begin my Lenten journey.  In each slot (grave) dug into the walls, I have an opportunity to place something I don’t want to remain alive in my character anymore... 

“Here lies Grumbling.”
“Here lies Whining.”
"Here lies Compromise."
“Here lies Fretting.”  
"Here lies Sloth."

I cannot get rid of these things on my own, and an Internet snag might be just the thing Our Lord is using to reveal them to me, so I can ask HIM to save me from them.  HE is THE Savior.  HE is THE only one Who can save us - save me - from sin and fault. 

Because of Him, I can rejoice in the catacombs.

Because of Him, I can sing in the dark. 

"There is cause for rejoicing here.  You may for a time have to endure the distress of many trials:  but this is so that your faith, which is more precious than the passing splendor of fire-tried gold, may by its genuineness lead to praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ appears."  (1 Peter 1:6-7)

"Rejoice in the Lord always!  I say it again.  Rejoice!  Everyone should see how unselfish you are.  The Lord is near."  (Philippians 4:4-5)

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