It’s been so long since I’ve written that I may need to reintroduce myself! Since my last post in November I have desired to write. Even wrote one that didn’t get published. Perhaps desire only gets us so far……
Graciously, Lent is upon us. A window opens for recomitment. A renewed intention to ‘show up’, to pay attention to Spirit’s movement, and to give voice to those stirrings.
Some of you may have already been considering how you will live this Lenten season. If not, perhaps you could take these couple days to contemplate what Lent means to you and, in particular, what feels called this year.
I would also invite you to consider putting aside older notions of this season that no longer serve…… Some of us may have some hang ups about this season, places where we get stuck.
Perhaps the whole penance thing is out of balance. Perhaps more joy is what you are being called to live. Perhaps giving up needs to be held with or made room by being more present to what already is and living more deeply there or taking on more that brings life.
Perhaps there is a spiritual practice that you desire to inhabit more fully. Perhaps it is to say goodbye to a spiritual practice that does not support your becoming in Christ….
What might God’s desire be for you these next few weeks? …
I entitled this blog ‘Not Giving Up’ because that can easily be a place I slide into. Perhaps it is not the words I use, however upon reflection, that is what my actions state. Again and again, I begin something and it’s going well, until it isn’t. And, rather than just picking up where I left off, or begin again, I just move on. Noticing how much time has passed I tell myself move on ….
Perhaps Lent is about hearing that voice of Jesus. Throughout this season we hear: the voice that didn’t give up when tempted, the voice that enjoyed the ease of the mountaintop moment yet knew life was lived on the plain. Jesus used his voice to speak truth. Jesus called us to Light. His words reminded us to do better, reminding us that there is darkness yet God remains bigger, more powerful and available. Jesus’ words and life spoke of service, giving of self, dying so that new life may grow.
So, there is no giving up. The Gospel call will not allow it. The Scriptures are rich as we open ourselves to this season. May we each find nourishment there and fuel for the journey.
Let us pray for one another in this time. … Pause when able and remembering, place a hand on your heart, offer words out loud or in silence. ….
This Christian path is not a solitary one. Thanks be to God.
Thank you!