We Have the Power to Change

Over the years, I've really given up hope that Advent will ever be the same quality of religious experience that Lent is. There are simply too many other things to do during Advent to get ready for Christmas. It doesn't allow that dedicated focus on spiritual matters that Lent provides. Still, I do try to do a couple of small things to reflect on the true meaning of this season. This year, one of those is reading a special reflection for each day out of Joyful Meditations for Every Day of Advent by Fr. Warren Savage and Mary Ann McSweeny. This was part of today's reflection:

It takes courage and humility to change. We may have developed certain habits during our lifetime that are based in fear, shame, or anger. We may have learned to cope with difficult life situations by manipulating others, by becoming addicted to alcohol, food, or gambling; or by letting others define who we are. However, whatever unhealthy patterns we may have acquired, we have the right to be the sons and daughters of God. We have the power to change at any time and live life more freely and lovingly.