Yesterday was the beginning of the Dormition fast and I'm gonna be real honest, I'm showing up late to this party.... I was not prepared.

After scrounging around in the pantry, we pulled together some food. Then after a loud, frazzled day, we somehow mustered the strength and made it to Paraklesis service tonight and I'm so glad we did. Don't get me wrong, it was more chaos. The loud bubbly baby who just wants to run around and shout "hi" to his priest dadda and every friend who walks by, oh and play in the water fountain, and who throws a fit when you tell him we're all done with that. But we made it there and I felt that peace, that peace that surpasses all human reasoning... it washed over me. "Thank you Lord" I whispered as I let out a deep sigh. I needed that reset tonight.

I love that about the Liturgical Calendar. Just when we start to veer off track and get wrapped up in all that's happening in the world and think we've gotta hold it all on our own, the Church in her wisdom gently ushers us back with a fasting period. She is calling us to slow down... clear your schedule.... draw near.... draw near to Christ. I need those reminders, and I desperately need the Lord.

It's nearly midnight here, but tomorrow is a new day. A fresh start. As St Anthony says, "Everyday I say to myself, today I will begin." Isn't that beautiful?

May God give us good strength for this fasting season!