Inspiration over obligation

Popping in for a quick newsletter this morning—my parents were in town this weekend, which was such a delight (despite the freezing temperatures!). I spent the weekend away from screens, so this is coming to you live on Tuesday morning.

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What’s on my mind this week is something I’ve written about here probably dozens of times: the invitation to live from inspiration instead of obligation.

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You know it, and I know it—the pressure to do things we think we should do. Maybe because everyone else is doing them, maybe because it feels lame to stay home instead of going somewhere we don’t really want to, or maybe because we’re afraid we’ll fall behind if we don’t push ourselves harder. But here’s the reminder Jesus Himself gives us:

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“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

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Of course, there are responsibilities we take on as productive members of society and as Christians—committing to our work with excellence, loving our neighbor, spending time with God, being generous with our time and talents. But there are so many extra burdens we pile onto our own shoulders that God never asked us to carry.

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I know that when I live from inspiration—when I’m free to follow the Holy Spirit’s nudges to attend events, call a friend, or say yes to exciting opportunities—I experience so much more of the goodness and freedom of being a child of God.

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So this week, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to guide us. An opportunity might seem interesting, but are you drawn to it because you truly want to do it? Or because you feel like you should? Christ came to free us from overextending ourselves.

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For all of us who identify a little too closely with Martha, let’s embrace this cozy January with the heart of Mary:

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Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.”

[Luke 10:40-42]

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Here’s to choosing the better part this week!

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In Christ,

Jane

What I’m loving lately:

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​Museum of the Bible​

• My mom and I went on Saturday and woah it was SO good!! I was super impressed. They put on these two thirty-minute presentations – one on each of the Testaments, which were interactive and stunning and so moving. I highly recommend if you are making a trip to DC, or if you live here!
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​Fiat90​

• Fiat90 is a 90-day program for Catholic women leading up to Easter, and for the past two years, I’ve walked with incredible groups of women through the program. It truly transformed my spiritual practices, community, and life! While I’m not part of a big group this year, I do recommend checking it out and seeing if there’s an opportunity to do it in your area! It began yesterday, but I think you can jump in anytime this week. You can learn more here!

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​Motion sensor light​

• I have a kitchen that’s basically a hallway between my living room and bedroom, and I often walk through it at night in the dark. This is so silly, but I finally bought a motion sensor light for over my sink, and now it lights up anytime I walk through! It brings me so much joy. I love finding a solution for a problem I’ve just been dealing with for a year!

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A reflection on this week’s Gospel

• At the end of Sunday’s homily, our priest invited us to consider what Jesus has asked us to do that we have not done yet. It was such a good question and I’ve been pondering it my prayer ever since, so I wanted to invite you all to consider it with me! “Do whatever He tells you,” is Mary’s encouragement.

Prayer Requests

• For our new president and his administration
• For all those who are in the cold without a place to call home
• For everyone in Southern California, especially those who have been displaced and lost their homes

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If you or a loved one need prayers, just reply to this email or reach out and I’ll include them in next week’s newsletter!

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