The Lenten Journey

I've done something that I wish to never do again - enter blogs only during holy seasons. My last blog entries were made over the season of Christmas. Then a long LONG absence. Now I'm making another entry on Ash Wednesday. My apologies.

Tonight, I attended an Ash Wednesday service at my church to initiate the season of Lent. Growing up, our church didn't observe Lent. Only those liberal and reprobate churches who didn't believe the Bible observed Lent. So we stayed clear of this season. It wasn't until I became a United Methodist (refer to my first blog entry for more about the United Methodists) that I first observed Lent. And let me tell you right now, I didn't like it. In fact, I LOATHED Lent. It's too much of a downer for a type A, driven, happy, glass-always-full, goal oriented, disgustingly optimistic, make-it-happen type of guy like myself. Reflective, silent, meditative, and intropective are not descriptors typically used for myself. I'm more of an Easter dude. Definitely like the resurrection. And LOVE Pentecost! Could do Pentecost every day of the year. But Lent? I just endured Lent year after year.

But thank God for grace eh? (that's the Canadian coming out in me). There's something to be said for spiritual disciplines practiced faithfully over time that finally break through and become mediators of God's grace. Such is the case for me with Lent. I think I'm starting to "get" Lent. In this particular season of my life, I am looking forward to introspection, reflection, silence, and meditation. Not descriptors typically used for myself. But a wonderful compliment and challenge to my cheery, upbeat, driven, type A, fast paced personality. For me, this Lenten journey is an opportunity - a sacred space in my life - for me to reflect on my life, where I'm going, what I'm doing, what I'm becoming, and how I might live more faithfully in discipleship to Jesus Christ. Far from being a downer, Lent offers a gift of extended prayer and spiritual nourishment of a different energy. Not the loud "alleluias", but the still small voice of God's Spirit. And this year, I am so grateful to enter into that rhythm. Peace and light.