Hold on to What You Believe

I was listening to music at work (big surprise) and this song came on my Pandora, "Hold on to What You Believe," by Mumford and Sons. I love Mumford and Sons. This was several weeks, or maybe even a couple months, ago and the words have been floating around in my head ever since. I'm finally getting around to writing about it.

In this song is the question, "What if I was wrong?" That sort of question reeks of regret. It's the sort of question that can easily take a person into a very sad place. It is best to avoid such places.

How is this a good song then?? Because of what is said next:

"But hold on to what you believe in the light, When the darkness has robbed you of all your sight." 

There are times in life when things aren't "all coming up roses." Those are the times with the darkness robs of you all your sight. I'm not saying that I'm in such a place right now-- but I can relate. Good music is something you can relate to, right? Hurt, sadness, loneliness, and pain are all part of life; but just like there are dark days, there are days of light-- hold on to them. "Hold on to what you believe in the light," so that when the dark days come the darkness doesn't overtake you. Remember who you are; don't stumble around blindly; hold on to what you believed in the light.

And here's my addendum: The light never leaves, but sometimes you just can't see it. You will see the light again.

Here's to Days Just Packed with Mumford and Sons!

Ash Wednesday

Five more minutes... Just. Five more minutes. I've said it before: I am by no means a morning person. On average, I hit the "snooze" button five or six times before I finally decide that I had better get out of bed, throw on some clothes, make coffee, pack breakfast and lunch, and rush off to work. This has been my struggle ever since the thought of Saturday morning cartoons was no longer enough to get me up and around by 6am, at least on Saturdays anyway. Just five more minutes of lying in bed with my eyes closed, pretending to sleep, and waiting for the alarm to go off... again.

What a waste of a morning! There's so much more I could do with that extra bit of time. I'll admit that my New Years resolution of becoming more of a morning person has failed miserably so far. It's time to change gears. As we enter this season of Lent, I have decided to keep trying. Lent is a season of humility. Lent is a season of  sacrifice and self-improvement. Lent is a season for thankfulness of the sacrifice already made for us. This year for Lent I am giving up the "snooze button."

Based on previous years, the question is: "What am I gaining in replacement of this sacrifice?" The answer is simple-- Time. Time to read a devotion, time to go for a run, time to eat a good breakfast, time to call a friend and wish them "Good Morning!"... well, maybe I won't go that far! The point is having time to enjoy the mornings we have been blessed with. Will I succeed? Time will tell.

Here's to Days Just Packed with five more minutes (x 5 or 6) of extra mornings!