Dear Parish Family,
 
Feeling down, not a lot to look forward too, surviving but not thriving – do you ever feel this way? Of course!!  The obvious thing is to pray and ask God to help us through difficult times. He will give us the strength and guidance to do this, but He also gave us a tool box within our own bodies to kick start change. A young mother, Leslie Gordon was faced with the horror of watching her 22 month old baby suffer from an extremely rare incurable disease. For those of us who are moms and dads, aunts and uncles, what can be worse than seeing our baby in this state of health. Leslie reached into her reservoir of gifts and stated “ What do you do when there’s nowhere to turn. You drive straight forward. “ She started a foundation, and continually works to make people aware of this, and is fundraising to provide research.
 
When was the last time you looked in your tool box? Helping others is one of our greatest tools to make us feel needed, wanted and happy. This is also a terrific way not to concentrate so much on ourselves. Another tool we have, although it may be a bit rusty is conscientiously deciding to be happy and blessed. In terms of drive forward – many times getting up, getting out, and being around others can make a big difference. The tool of giving always makes it “more blessed to give than to
receive.” Check your own toolbox. The tool for being grateful is a must.  This is a gift that keeps on giving. What tools of talent, understanding and empathy are in your box, or is this something you need to add?  God is right here for us. Are you looking in the right place?
 
May our loving God continue to bless our Lenten Journey.
 
Mary Jo