“I was going to bring you a donut,” my coworker says as I walk into the office on Ash Wednesday. “But, I figured you were one of those people who gives us sugar for Lent.” Another colleague joined the conversation observing that it seems many folks use the pressure to fast in Lent as an opportunity to spiritualize a diet or health goal. At times it seems Lent has just become a Christian’s chance to restart failed resolutions.
While we often talk about laying something down in Lent (the practice of fasting), we don’t hear as much conversation around what practice we will pick up. The point of giving something up in this season is to make more space for God; the call to fast wasn’t intended that you could work through your lunch break, but instead that you would use the time you typically spend preparing and eating a meal in prayer. Like a game of cosmic telephone, the current practice may now be a distorted version of a holy intention.
For many of us, the idea of making space is stressful enough-- when there are many demands on our time and energy. The idea of taking on one more thing-- well, no thank you.
Change of pace. Change of place. Change of perspective, the adage goes.
And it seems that the wilderness (literal or spiritual) may be that kind of space for us in this season. Perhaps instead of Lent being a time of discipline it is an opportunity: a chance to release some thing(s), to try some thing(s), in an effort to gain some new perspective. Is it too much to hope that Lent could bring an epiphany?
Perhaps change of pace looks like fasting or trying a new way of connecting with God. Perhaps change of pace means modifying our routines or taking an afternoon for some retreat time in a new space. And then perhaps, our perspective will transform as we listen for the wind of Spirit.
Spiritual direction is a safe space to process the learnings, longings or lack you are experiencing. You can schedule your first soul care conversation here.
A Blessing for Change
As you let one thing go
slowing for some silent space
As you try something new
seeking a spark of connection
As you venture from the comfort of home
stretching into untamed spaces
As you release your propensity for comfort
surrendering to the possibility of the new
May you be
surprised
stirred
satisfied
sanctified
Surrounded
by the goodness and grace
of God.
If this has meant something to you, please share it with a friend!