Lent has been a struggle for sure. The Sunday of John Climacus is a beautiful reminder and an important one. This icon has a much more thorough description than I can provide at this time, but basically the temptations have us fall, and the virtues towards salvation keep us climbing back on.

The struggle this Lenten season has me wrestling with my passions beyond belief, BUT being humbled by asking for forgiveness has been healing. The imagery in this icon is a beautiful example of how the demons poke at us and succeed at times, but our salvation HAS to be the finish line. The Goal. We must keep struggling with God’s grace and not give up.

Our beautiful church family blessed us with a family getaway to the mountains. It was our first time visiting the capital of maple syrup! 🍁 The mountain air was convalescing. My eldest son answered I experienced skiing for our first time! He complained that I was “too slow” while his skills surpassed mine. I conveyed to my ski instructor that the teenager is sound asleep while I’m up at night with a toddler! Watching youth gliding down the mountain fearlessly made me realize that fearlessness I once had.

Heck, it’s still there once in awhile, but being a parent means you can’t break a bone! You’ll be needed once your treading is over!