Two Reflections today

Megan Rogers, ENDOW facilitator, New Mexico:
My husband and I recently moved to a new military base and it is in a rural area in the desert. Lent to me is just this, a merciful act by God to call me to a place remote and without the many comforts and convenience of a city, to be with Him. Lent is embracing change, learning to depend on God (once more) and to be courageous in following His will, even if it means barren deserts and wrestling winds; a reflection of my soul at times.

Julie Wong, friend of ENDOW, Ohio:
This Lent, the Lord has led me to focus on several different themes. The first is to strive to become poor before Christ, as He has made Himself so poor on the Cross before each one of us. It's so easy to let my heart become entangled and chained down by various distractions and desires...He is gently calling me to let Him strip and cleanse my heart of everything but Him. When I let Him do this, so much freedom and peace is found!

The second theme is learning to embrace my littleness and weakness. St. Therese of Lisieux's "Little Way" is becoming more and more beautiful to me as I daily realize my radical need for God. Instead of trying to become "perfect" and then feeling perpetually frustrated and discouraged, Jesus is calling me to become still and peaceful within His arms. He wants me to trust that if I simply surrender myself to Him with all of my faults, He can do great things in me! His Sacred Heart will do EVERYTHING for us if we only LET HIM!

Judith Watson, ENDOW facilitator, Indiana

For me, Lent is a time to bring more silence into my life, in order to hear the Holy Spirit speak to me. I am a news-aholic and I tend to have a TV on all of the time so that I can keep abreast of all of those "news alerts." During Lent, I strive to keep the house quiet, do more spiritual reading, and spend time pondering where I have been spiritually and where I need to go. And I clean! Thanks to my daughter Jill, I discovered an excellent way to detach from things, in a 40 Bags for 40 Days exercise of cleaning closets and drawers, getting rid and giving away those items that can be of use to someone else, or that just need to be tossed out. Manual labor is a good time for pondering what is important in life. At the end of Lent, I hope to have a clean house, both physically and spiritually! I also hope that at the end of Lent I have developed a good spiritual habit that I will keep with me even when Lent is over. My Lenten exercise becomes an Easter gift for my soul.

Monica Harden, ENDOW facilitator, Colorado

Lent is a time dedicated to bringing us closer to Christ. These are a few of the changes that I am attempting this year.

Sacrifice: Christ gave his life for us. Our little sacrifices of luxuries and non necessities are a tiny price to pay.

Reading: Scripture, Lives of the Saints, Articles, new find; Beatitudes by Raniero, Cantalamessa. Then contemplating on how these readings work in our lives

Giving: I have so very, very much. Give a lagniappe (a little something extra) where ever I can. This can be done in kind words, little gifts and extra prayers.

Michaelene Hearn, ENDOW facilitator, Michigan

Lent is a beautiful time to hide intimately in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is a time of total surrender; to fall in love with Jesus or renew love with Him, through prayer, fasting, mortifications and sacrifice. It is a time to listen closely, be open to the Holy Spirit and experience God's love.
Strip me, cleanse me, forgive me and help me to love you, Lord Jesus, more than ever before. The passion and death of Jesus Christ, testifies to the immense love and forgiveness He has for mankind. The institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, is the greatest gift he gave us before his death. The sorrowful heart of The Blessed Mother, Mary, compassionately teaches faith, trust, courage, perseverance and hope. Lent is growing in conformity to God's Will, that we may experience fully the joy of His Resurrection and awesome caress of His Divine Mercy, forever in eternity. I love you, Jesus! Thank you for your loving me! Amen.

Kathy Middleton, ENDOW facilitator, Colorado

Lent is a time for me to get a sense for what God is doing in me in each year. It is a time of spiritual "spring cleaning". I often find that my efforts to find things to do or give up for Lent pale in comparison to what God reveals to me during this time. Hidden cobwebs, dust bunnies, dark corners, all become exposed and it is surprisingly humbling when I see the dirt that has accumulated in my soul! But it doesn't defeat me, because Lent is like God coming in with his 'sweeping' grace, his cleansing mercy, his startling "shaking out" of all that needs to be purged. hopefully, when I cooperate and allow Him to do His work, I can be more free to proclaim Him in my life as the year continues and as spring and Easter bring us new hope, warm winds, and flowers, hopefully, we also bring these gifts to a hurting world.

Lora Ostach, ENDOW facilitator, Michigan

Lent is a very special time of year. It’s all about Baptism. Yes it’s a solemn, pensive and sacrificial time, “time in the dessert. But for me, Lent is an exciting time, filled with anticipation and awe. It’s the time when I recall my baptismal promise. It's the time I relive the special events in my life leading up to baptism day. You see, I was baptized as an adult at our Easter Vigil in 2006. I was there, in the presence of God, openly participating, basking in His Grace and reveling in His Glory, taking in every moment of those forty days of Lent leading to that most special day.
I remember like it was yesterday the Rite of Election on that First Sunday of Lent. It was my commitment to the Catholic Church as I signed my name in the BOOK of the ELECT and was blessed by the Bishop of our Archdiocese. I remember the three weeks of Scrutinies and how I reflected on my own life and my sins and allowed God to scrutinize me and heal me. The traditions of praying, fasting and almsgiving began to take hold in my heart and gave me the help I needed to prepare my soul for Christ and His gift of Eternal Life that He was about to give to me. The parishioners, my catholic mentors were reflective, solemn, sincere. Palm Sunday was like no other Sunday and Holy week was almost too much to bear. My heart was bursting with love and pain. I remember it like it was yesterday; I celebrate Lent like it was my first Lent.
Not everyone is lucky enough to remember their baptism and the events leading up to it. Lent is the chance to imagine all that it was, all that it is and all that it stands for and prepare for that glorious moment. Jesus wants us to remember.

Andrea Maciejewski, ENDOW facilitator, Michigan

Lent is a very precious season for me. Since I was very young, I have relished the opportunity to "even now, turn back to Me with all your heart." I always find that the small sacrifices I try to make, small works of mercy I offer to Christ, and increased prayer has immediate consequences in my soul, as well as my day to day!

It is a great privilege and honor to be able to enter into the intimate Passion of our Lord. It is there that I truly find myself, and as I mourn my sins which crucified my Lord, He lets me know very clearly how much He loves me and makes me whole again. "For by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world."

It is when I die in Him fully that I will one day rise with Him. Lent prepares me for this glory to come, in reflecting on His Dolorous Passion, and living the Resurrection!

Christina Kruis, ENDOW Facilitator, Calgary, Canada

Lent is a time for me to really understand and think about what Jesus did for me. I have to question what He wants me to do to show my love for Him? Lent is a time to remember that Doing What Jesus Would Do is always right but not always easy. Easter is a huge celebration proving how much Jesus loves me.

Jo Ann Wilson, ENDOW facilitator, Ohio

I have a "Love, Dread " relationship to this time in our Church season. Lent is a time of my own personal "dying and rising". It is a time I strip the house of many accessories and holiday decorations to remind myself of the call inside to shed those attachments, habits and even relationships that draw me away from God. To allow Him to come into my Heart in a new way inviting Him to "have His way with me" that I so often compromise.

I "treat" myself to reading spiritual books in the afternoon. I find cooking less draining as I make simpler meals and still feel "good about it". I reach out to those relationships I have neglected, and I take the time to truly allow the gift of husband and family to cause a welling up of thankfulness in my heart in a new way.

I love the new life renewal that comes during this time, but the shedding part and even the initial "quietly facing myself" part is often painful. Only God's love and knowing He is with me every step as I struggle to be with Him makes the dreading part even part of the loving part!

Terelyn Santos, ENDOW facilitator, Texas

Lent is an invitation from the One I love to spend intimate time with him. It's a time to take a deeper look within myself under his loving and merciful gaze. It's a time to walk in the "desert" of purification with Someone who doesn't want to judge me, but help me become "white than snow", truly "pure of heart". It's a time of transformation that occurs by letting go and accepting grace. It's a time to experience the fullness of God's love for me and give thanks!

Brief Thoughts...

a.Shar Messaros, ENDOW facilitator, Colorado: To me Lent means….really paying attention to the sacrifice Christ made for me and spending more time with him in prayer

b.Ann Kelm, ENDOW facilitator, Colorado: Lent is Spring Training for Christians!!!

c.Valerie Staples, ENDOW facilitator, California: Lent is a time for us to reflect on the love and sacrifices of God and what we can do to perfect our souls so that we might love and sacrifice like He did. I love it for that reason

d. Michele Schmidt, ENDOW Facilitator, Michigan: To me, Lent means..... Psalm 51:12" “A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit.” A time of renewing my spirit and opening my heart to the magnificence of God.

e.Pat Nash, ENDOW facilitator, Colorado: Lent means daily Mass, additional Adoration time, and growing closer to God in my journey with the Lord.

f.Cindy Simmons, ENDOW facilitator, Colorado: Lent is a time to "live" the passion of Christ with what He brings to me today. It's completely about my "Yes" to the shadow of death and trusting He will resurrect it.

Sharon van der Sloot, ENDOW Author and Advisory Board Member, Calgary, Alberta (Canada)

As a convert to Catholicism, it took me a while to figure out what this ‘Lent thing’ was all about. At first, I thought it was just about me, so I gave up meat on Fridays and stopped eating dessert and potato chips. I felt very holy. It took me a while to realize that the practice of Lent isn’t just a Church sanctioned diet plan! Thank goodness God is so patient and loving with us, because it took me some time before I came to see that Lent is not so much a ‘turning away’ from things as it is a ‘turning toward’ Christ.

I now see Lent as a time to examine my life in God’s presence, to recognize those things which prevent me from drawing closer to Him, and to see what areas of my life need to be transformed in order to be more like Him. It is a time for change! A few weeks ago, our parish priest upped the bar when he pointed out that our Lenten penitential practices are not meant to be something that we do for 6 weeks and then forget about; they are meant to be the beginning of a true conversion of heart that will continue throughout the entire year. So this Lent, I haven’t made any grand plans for major ‘spiritual surgery’. Instead, I have tried to pick small ways that I can be more Christ-like, ways in which I hope to be able to persevere despite my human weakness: things like praying with greater attention and love, giving of myself and of my material resources to others with greater generosity and love, and fasting not because of any self-imposed diet plan, but to strengthen my will and to grow in my love for Christ. And in the end, perhaps Lent is just about that, about love – because God is love. It is doing everything out of love, not for me, but for God and for His greater glory.

Madelynn Winstead, ENDOW Board Member and editor, Colorado

How does one speak about the season of Lent in one simple paragraph? This is a difficult task, choosing one’s words very carefully, getting the most out of every syllable. My first thought was simple and straightforward: “I was made for Lent, born with a hair shirt, as they say.” So perhaps it’s only my melancholic temperament, which draws me to this yearly time of self-denial and penitential practices. And yet, Lent is so much more than giving up chocolate and turning off the television (although these things are admirable and good). For me, Lent is a process that requires tilling the soil in preparation for spring. It’s doing the hard work, breaking new ground and clearing away the debris of fear and failure, compromise and complacency. This is the work that causes a sweat and makes your muscles ache. It requires us to dive into deep water, where we know we can no longer stand. A few years ago, I said good-bye to my son on Ash Wednesday, as he gathered his company of Marines and boarded a plane for Iraq. That Lent was seven months long and at times I felt the water rising up to my neck. But that is the beauty of Lent, the beauty of keeping your head above the water line and learning how to "breathe" God.

Melissa Osborn, ENDOW Board Member and facilitator, Colorado

Growing up Lent meant giving up chocolate for 40 days, except Sundays that Nana said were exempt days, and waiting for that big chocolate bunny on Easter morning. However, some things need to change. Not too many years ago I went to an Ash Wednesday Mass with my husband and Fr. Mike Glen spoke about getting involved in Lent beyond the traditional giving things up. He challenged us to make a commitment such as daily scripture readings, increased time and attention to spiritual reflection, or attending mass more frequently. That year my husband and I decided to read the gospel of Mark together little by little each night before bed. For both of us it brought a entirely new and wonderful meaning to Lent. Today I see Lent as a time to get more connected with my faith and with the Lord. Of course, I still wait eagerly for that big chocolate bunny on Easter Sunday - some things never change!

Natalia Fletcher, ENDOW facilitator, Colorado

Last night I spent my time with Jesus in the adoration chapel. As it was my first Holy Hour since the start of lent, I noticed the bareness of the altar…no flowers, no additional statues, no special linens, just Christ. I was awestruck by the prominent presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. The Holy Spirit led me to reflect on this as a visual reminder of what Lent is all about. Removing the “decorations” from our lives to focus on what is truly important…our Lord! All the chocolate, movies, dinner dates are all wonderful things we enjoy with Christ, but sometimes they become what we focus on and forget the man at the center of the altar. In sacrificing this Lent, and removing them I hope to see the prominent place of Christ in my life and rejoice at Easter when I get to once again enjoy them, but this time with Christ!

Michele Lentz, ENDOW facilitator, Minnesota

To me, Lent is finding joy in the desert. While seeking ways to offer up some of life's comforts I am also seeking areas where I can turn to God for my comfort, strength etc. rather than to things of this world. It is a time to be reflective and observant. Even small acts of self denial tend to drive up in me a clearer picture of my attachments. By observing these attachments to the things of this world I then have an opportunity to reflect on the inclination to turn to the world rather than turn to our Lord. When turning to our Lord at such times (or any time for that matter) I can then make some strides into a closer union with Him. Needless to say, finding that closer union with Christ brings joy and peace as well. Therefore for me Lent is finding joy in the desert.

Ginger Giesen, Founding ENDOW Board Member, Colorado

The season of Lent offers to me the daily opportunity to review, reflect upon, and go deeper into my relationship with Jesus and God. While this is a goal for every day of life, the season of Lent sort of gives me 'de facto" permission to take more time to contemplate and pray. During Lent, our Catholic community has an almost "hushed tone" to it if you'll let yourself tap into it. It's way too easy to stay enmeshed in the hustle and bustle of an ordinary day and not feel, and rejoice in, God's presence. Lent almost feels like a gift; a gift in which God has given us an opportunity to experience very personally the depth of His love and the love His Son has for us.

Ginger Giesen, Founding ENDOW Board Member, Colorado

The season of Lent offers to me the daily opportunity to review, reflect upon, and go deeper into my relationship with Jesus and God. While this is a goal for every day of life, the season of Lent sort of gives me 'de facto" permission to take more time to contemplate and pray. During Lent, our Catholic community has an almost "hushed tone" to it if you'll let yourself tap into it. It's way too easy to stay enmeshed in the hustle and bustle of an ordinary day and not feel, and rejoice in, God's presence. Lent almost feels like a gift; a gift in which God has given us an opportunity to experience very personally the depth of His love and the love His Son has for us.

Kate Barta, ENDOW facilitator, California

What does Lent mean to me? At this moment in the lovely, sunny afternoon as my kids are snoozing, I see the answer in slow motion in my mind's eye. I can see only Jesus' feet, walking through the sand in slow motion, the bottom tip of His robe flapping in the wind as the sand and dust rise up around His steps. He is walking toward His Cross, and I am caught in slow motion so that I can journey, once again, with Him. But hopefully more fully this time, more substantially, more attentively, more humbly, more lovingly. The thing is, I can only see His feet right now. I need all the time of Lent to be able to raise my gaze to the other amazing details of His pilgrimage. I am so grateful for this time to slow everything down, intentionally, and to focus on His journey. Today, it means bending low with gentle, absolute intentionality in order to share with my children about this all-new, 40 day pilgrimage through the desert with Jesus. It means reaffirming to myself and my family that He is the most important Thing, One, Love, Hope, we ever have. Lord, help me to remain in slow motion with You in my heart at every moment this Lent.

Terry Begler, ENDOW Participant, Colorado

Lent is for Lion Tamers

“ROAR!”
Standing at the kitchen counter slicing carrots, I looked up just in time to see my six year old leap from the ottoman and pounce onto the floor. He scampered up again and, standing at full muster, proclaimed, “I am a mighty lion!” Again, he leapt from the ottoman with cookie crumb claws scratching the air. Landing on all fours, he then prowled to the counter and, as he stretched on hind legs, nose just above the cutting board, snitched one of my carrots and asked, “Mommy, if you could be any animal in the world, what would you be?” As if to help with suggestions, he volunteered, “Would you be a tiger, a wolf or a lion like me?” “Hmmm…” Twinkling eyes, like the dawn of an idea, he prompted, “Would you be a whale, a sea lion or an octopus?” (I grew up in Southern California so he thought he was on to my way of thinking.)
I answered, “Tempting choices, especially the octopus…The better to hug you, my dear.” He giggled. “Honey, I wouldn’t choose any of those.” “Then what, Mommy? What animal?” he persisted. I set down my paring knife and said, “let’s snuggle for a minute.” So, I took his hand and we curled into the big comfy chair, and after we settled in I said, “If I could be any animal in the whole world, I’d be a bee.” “A bee…,” he repeated as perplexity furrowed his brow. “Why would you want to be a bee? Why would anyone want to be a bee? They sting!” “I would want to be a bee, but not just any bee. I would be a big, fat, fuzzy bumble bee!” “You’d be fat and fuzzy?” he chortled with a toothless grin. “Yes, I would be a big, fat, fuzzy bumble bee.” “Did you know,” I continued, “that the finest scientists in the world believe the bumble bee should not fly? Physicists, biologists and engineers have studied the bumble bee. They’ve weighed it, measured its wings and counted one hundred and thirty beats per second. They considered aerodynamics and every law of physics. In the end, they concluded that the bumble bee cannot fly.”
By the grace of God, not only does the bubble bee fly, it makes a significant contribution to our world through pollination.”
My beautiful sisters of ENDOW, this Lenten season and always, I wish you the faith of a bumble bee.

Sylvia Harmon, ENDOW participant, Colorado

It seems like every year I ponder for weeks, the impending season of Lent. I look forward to it and try to figure out what I need to do to create a meaningful journey. I come up with so many ideas and my enthusiasm starts to bubble up for a Lenten experience that will make me a better human being, a holier person.

The day before Ash Wednesday I am usually without a decision as to what I will give up and add to my life to bring me closer to our Lord. I wake up on Ash Wednesday and go through the motions of fasting and attending Mass, again without a focus or decision on my plans. Through all the busyness of the week, my clarity is blurred. As usual, I’m trying to help my children make decisions of their Lenten plans, talking with my husband about what we can do together and as a family, listening to friends ideas and reading spiritual motivations online about Lent. Splintered as usual in too many directions.

Ash Wednesday is an “ashy” day for me – unclear. I am pulled into the season of Lent by obedience to my faith, yet the world and my daily duties are tugging me in the other direction.

Today is the day after Ash Wednesday and I always wake up on this day with clarity! I know what I need to do in order to grow through Lent and walk towards holiness. A good night’s sleep and prayer bring me into focus. I look forward to a season of prayer, living God’s mercy and developing a deeper prayer life with our Lord. I look forward to an awakening of my weaknesses and the strength to overcome them. I look forward to sharing God’s love with those less fortunate. I look forward to discernment. I look forward to the disciplined lifestyle that Lent promotes. I look forward to the joy on Easter day and in Heaven one day!

Madelynn Winstead, ENDOW Board Member and editor, Colorado

Lenten Journey

Reaching down into the darkness;
Moving slowly through moist earth;
The seedling grows by day unnoticed
Plunged into a primal search.
We are sensing, driving, reaching
For that sustenance by night;
An umbilical connection to unquenchable streams of Light
Our portion is acceptable;
The water drawn is livable;
These are the depths from which we cry;
Holding fast, holding fast as the hem of a garment passes by.

Kelly Dore, ENDOW participant, Colorado

I was baptized Catholic but never understood anything about it, nor did I have role models to provide me with a strong religious foundation. I saw people do unspeakable things to other people, then go to Mass on Sunday and pray for redemption, just to do what they wanted again on Monday. I never understood Lent, why should I give anything up when I was already suffering in my childhood? It did nothing more than to affirm my conviction that when I grew up, I was going to control every thing about my life and the environment of my children and future husband. I learned to not count on anyone, especially not God, yet I could never figure out why I always had a void in my daily life. It took almost 28 years to realize that nothing is ever perfect or completely controlled, even less when you have a significant lack of faith. I did grow up; unbeknownst to me God had my path planned out. I became so blessed to marry a man who loves and embraces Christ, cherishes his family and understands the complete and pure roots of his faith. We have also been blessed to have 4 children. Having an amazing marriage and building relationships with my husband and children awakened something in my heart and put me on a journey to learn and embrace my Catholicism.

I remember Lent 3 years ago, in particular. Life had quickly consumed us, between diaper changes, stacks of laundry, homework and extra curricular activities; my husband called to remind me that we could not eat meat on Fridays, so I should remember that when I fixed meals. I was annoyed at the thought of giving up something when I did not understand the symbolism or sacrifice. But I decided I would make an effort that year and needed to choose what to give up. The obvious were sweets, caffeine, to exercise more and definitely try to fit in more “me” time. They were all superficial things that everyone other good Catholic was doing, but I just could not choose. I just had an empty feeling; there was something major missing. After all, I did have everything in control; our schedules, our meals, the bills, the kids education, our marriage, our faith…Why did I feel like I was failing? I did not like the lack of control I felt in not figuring out something so easy to give up. I was frustrated, then a little angry, then I just didn’t think that I should try to be Catholic anymore.

I remember breaking down and just asking God to give me a sign as to what I should give up. I remember feeling a huge weight lift off of me, it was so clear, everything. Offer everything to God. In that moment, my spiritual life changed. Lent has become so much more than just giving up something that I should probably do with out on a daily basis. Lent is something that I no longer focus on just the 40 days before Easter; I try to live it all year long. It means that daily, I offer up with every fiber of my being to God- my heart, my feelings, and my choices. It means that I have to surrender all control of what I wanted for the things in my life. Especially in my family, I had to have complete trust in my husband in our marriage. I had to have complete trust that the foundation we have built for our children is solid enough for them to make good decisions even when we are not around. It is the realization that I do not “own” my kids, they are gifts from God, merely given to my husband and I to raise and be examples of Christ’s love. Most of all it is living to know. So many times I would say that I hoped God was listening, I hoped God would provide or I hoped God would answer me. It is deeper than that; it is surrendering to my hope and believing in my faith. To know that God will provide and forgive me through all of my imperfections. It means that I no longer fear God, I no longer get angry when I cannot control what He wants for me and I no longer judge His plans for my life. Feeling grateful and understanding the love and sacrifice God and Jesus Christ made for us. That is what Lent means to me. Oh yes, I also do give up something superficial each year as well. This year it is sweets, I finally understand the symbolism of the sacrifice and it is worth it everyday.

Martha Reichert, ENDOW Board Member, Colorado

There has been some talk recently, in my circle of friends, about fasting. This is Catholic code for, “Lent is coming!” My friends and I were marveling at how hard it is to deny ourselves – especially when it comes to food and drink. Why is this, we wondered? Whenever I ponder things of this sort, I like to turn to the saints to see what they think. There is a story that St. Teresa of Lisieux relayed in her autobiography, The Story of a Soul. St. Teresa’s sister, Celine, was attempting to explain heaven to little Teresa: she showed her two glasses, one large and one small. Celine filled both glasses to the rim. “Which one is full?” she asked. “Both are full, ” little Teresa answered. This is how heaven is – God fills each of us to our maximum capacity.

Terry LaVelle, ENDOW Board Member, Colorado

I look at Lent as an opportunity. It is an opportunity for me to become closer to God through personal improvement. I can select an item from my behavior bag and try to correct it, improve it, or eliminate it. The result is not only a gift for me, but also for those affected by the behavior I select. How can life get any better than when we please both God and those around us?

Lori Gallagher, ENDOW Participant, Indiana

Lent is a time of reflection that the community comes together to remember the sacrifice fo Jesus. We all slow down and realize the only importance here is to Love and Serve God. Everyday this should be done, but we go on and do our will, busying ourselves. This is like a retreat of joy and sorrow as we see the loves that everyone feels for Jesus and the sorrow that our sins had to have him be taken away.

Denise Sinclair, ENDOW Facilitator, Pennsylvania

Lent has always been one of my favorites seasons of the year. I like to dig in and see where God is calling me to change and with His grace, hopefully die a little more to my selfish and sinful ways.
This year I entered the desert a little early. I made a silent, directed retreat for three days. (Feb. 9 to11)
I didn't quite know what God would reveal to me this year, but it turned out to be an encounter with self. He showed me ways that I have offended Him and others. Ways I was unaware of, until His light shone on these areas of my life.I was quite surprised, but grateful for His insights. One of the psalms asks God "to show me my unknown sins." I have often remarked to people that they may be unknown to us, but ask the people we live with or know...they are sure familiar to them. I look forward to continuing this journey of looking into my heart and asking God to help me see my unknown sins. I invite all of you to do the same and then to thank God for the grace of knowing so we can change and reflect Him, even so slightly.