40 days

Today is not only Ash Wednesday, it is my birthday.

If standing alone, each day would allow ample time for introspection. On such days, questions arise: Where have I been? Where am I going? Both are good questions though coupled on the same day lead to examination.

Always, I am reminded who I am - just one of God's children - an imperfect person on a journey.

A line from a prayer in my daily devotional stuck with me today, " . . . wake me from the dust of complacency."

Ash Wednesday reminds us that we were once dust and will return to dust. Today, we find ourselves in that in between time. We are blessed to be fully alive. Perhaps the "dust of complacency" the author alludes to is the danger of being too proud. Perhaps she means we are not living up to our potential. God has such big plans for our lives, lives we cannot imagine. 

I don't know about you, but I am ready to see what God has in store for me over these next 40 days as I commit to face those obstacles I place before myself. 

The snowy landscape outside my window will change dramatically over the next 40 days. As well, I want to change my landscape over the next 40 days as I recommit to some long-standing goals.

Lent is a time for rejection. Many Christians give up something as a symbolic manifestation of Christ's suffering. By giving up something as simple, yet difficult, as chocolate can remind one of Christ's suffering. Too often, I am guilty of giving up something like chocolate for Lent and then chowing down on chocolate bunnies on Easter morning. Sometimes, I wonder if that is the right thing to do, but then I remember sacrifice and suffering and their relationship to gifts and rewards. One is not realized without the other. So, I will give up something and remember. 

Lent is a time for renewal. These renewals can be those of spirituality and of purpose. Personally, I plan to use this time to walk closer with God and ask him to direct my steps as I endeavor to accomplish my goals. I know I cannot do this alone. Like the knitting project on my table, I am a work in progress.

If this Lenten season has you thinking similar thoughts, please join me in this time of rest, reflection, renewal, and rejection. Surely, we will learn what to keep and what to give away.

Won't you join me? 

Until tomorrow,

Jerilyn