Second Chances

As Lent is coming to an end I am starting to really pick apart my lenten efforts.    In case you forgot I gave up raising my voice and added giving more compliments.  I think that I have done all right with the compliments.  I have done horribly with the not raising my voice.  There have been a handful of good days. 

As a family we have all our penances posted on the front door around a cardboard cross.  Each night after prayers we talk about what we did and place stickers on the cross if we were successful.  I have not put very many stickers on at all.  As a matter of fact, Lily is quite good at pointing out that I have lost my sticker for the day.  I feel a little defeated by this penance.  I like to think that if I set my mind to it I can accomplish anything with the Grace of God.  Perhaps forty days is not long enough for this. 

I try not to be too hard on myself.  Afterall, even Jesus raised his voice in his Father's house. Today I am grateful for the second, third and fourth chances that each new day brings.  Thank God for that!