Lent and new beginnings - How horse manure and daffodils explain Lent better!

Horse manure and daffodils are not normally connected to Lent, but I will explain how they both explain Lent so much better. They will also help us to understand Lent as new beginnings and how we need to give Lent time.
I have lovely displays of daffodils in my garden at the moment, many of them in pots and window boxes. I also share a photograph of some of the daffodils. They are rich and lush with beautiful yellow colours. I am sometimes asked how I get such a spread. This is what I do, and I do it faithfully every year. Once they have flowered, I give them plenty of Gee Up which you can get in any good gardening centre. And what is Gee Up? It is simply horse manure!!
Over the following weeks after they have flowered the ‘Gee Up’ nourishes the bulbs below allowing them to regenerate and store energy for the following spring. Because they have regenerated, the colours are fabulous.
I like to think that Lent is a bit like ‘Gee Up’. It nourishes and slowly releases all its goodness, not just in one day but over many weeks. Lent is not a one or a two-day event. It is for many days over six weeks. It is a journey, done slowly and patiently. Instead of trying to do everything, it is good to do the small things and do them well.
Lent is nourishing your spirit. Lent is not about shouting from the rooftop what you are doing, but doing it quietly, gently and slowly. Lent like ‘Gee Up’ works wonders.
It is a slow release of goodness and of love and of blessings. I hope this is your experience of Lent too this year.
Many thanks for all your help and support
James
(Fr. James McSweeney www.2u.ie )
Stepping Stones on our Spiritual Journey
I am sometimes asked 'What is your TH-cam Channel about?' So I try and answer with something of the following...
We all need stepping stones on our spiritual journey. You will find in these stepping stone videos, the beautiful message that God loves you - You are precious and special - Be yourself - It's ok to make a mistake - Be open to a blessing in your life each day - There will be prayers for you and those we love - Live each day as best you can - Feel God's presence in the beauty of nature and creation - Be grateful for the little things - Give yourself time to pause, unwind and reflect -
We will gently explore all of these & so much more. As a priest working in the Diocese of Cork and Ross I hear people say to me more and more: "I am spiritual but not religious". This channel is a humble & gentle attempt to reach out to those who sense and feel God in their lives but have little connection to more organised religion. Hopefully this channel can be a stepping stone for you to finding peace, light, comfort, hope and spiritual strength. The first step is to know God loves you.
Talk soon James
(More bits and pieces can be found on my website Today Is My Gift To You. 2u.ie

[@BishopFintanMonahan]

Happy Lent James!