“As the dawn renews the face of the earth bringing light and life to all creation, may we rejoice in this day” is recited at Morning Prayer. Each new day as we awake, refreshed from the depths of sleep, we have a choice to make. God invites us to enter His world, His kingdom and to choose life.

Traditionally during the season of Lent we spend considerable time meditating on God’s word. Here as we meditate on this passage in Deuteronomy, the words of Moses’ challenge is to be obedient. “If you keep the commandments the Lord your God will bless you.”

The first and greatest commandment is “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”.

Obedience and love seem to be opposites. God does call us to obedience, but first His call is to love. This is the greatest commandment, to love. Once we love, obedience will follow effortlessly. God doesn’t force His will on anyone. He allows us to decide whether to follow him and choose life in all its fullness.

At the beginning of each day in every new situation, we must stop, think, pray and choose again to follow the giver of life, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Walking together through this Lenten journey we will fall in love with God again and again and so our love for others will blossom and flourish.

Today as you awake to the morning light, choose to live in the Light of God’s word, encourage one another. Maybe you can tell another how you have chosen to live your beautiful and unique life. You will be a blessing!