“Tomorrow I will start a new adventure, a new journey….” are the words I first thought of to start this post, and so I used them, the word that followed however was “NO!” For the truth is, I do not start a new journey, a new adventure… tomorrow. Rather I continue on a journey I have been on. As Western Christianity embarks upon the season of Lent, I do so with anticipation. Anticipation of what you might ask? In anticipation of that which already has come to pass, that which is, and that which will be.
About two years ago I expressed the following here “for me Lent is not a time to give up, but rather a time to do more. It is a time to grow in my faith, a time to grow my devotional life, and this year also a time to start taking better care of my body, mind, and spirit.” So I challenge myself here and now in front of all of you who read these words, to do just that. I will seek to find time to take Sabbath each week, it may not always be a full day as between work and my ministerial and pastoral duties I don’t always have that option, but I will set aside a bit of each week as Sabbath. I will reenergize my personal mediation, prayer and reflection life. I will be willing to risk, to try new things, to be open and vulnerable to the Holy, others, and myself.
I will start my adventure of lent with full day of Sabbath, the first such day I have had in a very long time. Throughout this period of time I will seek guidance for myself and the future, I will reflect and prepare myself to be open to the Holy for life, for pastoral and ministerial roles, and for my role as a delegate to the 2010 World Conference.
So I ask of you today, for those who Lent is part of your experience…. How will you do more this Lent? If you are one who gives up things, how will the giving up of something aid you in growing your discipleship? How will it aid you in your response to share the Peace of Christ to all of creation?
Well, I’m off to prepare for the Resurrection that was, is, and yet to be and also my journey to share with the Saints in conference assembled.
Peace,
— Lyle II