Monday of Week Three

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

—Psalm 118:24

Life has loveliness to sell,

All beautiful and splendid things,

Blue waves whitened on a cliff,

Soaring fire that sways and sings,

And children’s faces looking up

Holding wonder like a cup

Life has loveliness to sell,

Music like a curve of gold,

Scent of pine trees in the rain,

Eyes that love you, arms that hold,

And for your spirit’s still delight,

Holy thoughts that star the night.

Spend all that you have on loveliness

Buy it and never count the cost;

For one white singing hour of peace

Count many a year of strife well lost,

And for a breath of ecstasy

Give all you have been, or could be.

—Sara Teasdale 1884-1933

I have loved this poem for many years and have read it countless times. It always speaks to me, but right now it seems to have a special Lenten message. The things it mentions are simple and pure, not costly or complex. We should spend our time during these forty days focusing on such pure and simple blessings, gifts from our Father in Heaven. Easter brings that breath of ecstasy in the resurrection of our Lord.

Author: Margaret Carney

Personal Reflection:

Pause for a moment and notice the small blessings around you—the warmth of the sun, a kind smile, a deep breath. How does recognizing these moments shift your perspective?

Daily Action:

Make a list of five things you are grateful for. Proclaim your praise out loud for those blessings, or, if it is a person, tell them that you are grateful for them.