Week 3 Begins

Today is the third Sunday in Lent. It is about this time each year that I become less intentional and my resolve begins to slip. The planning and anticipation leading up to Lent and then the prayerful renewal and cleansing of an Ash Wednesday service are followed by a couple weeks of thoughtfulness and deliberate practice.

It is about this time each year that the purpose behind these practices begins to fade from my consciousness. Soon they become empty forms loosely held. Sometimes they turn to vapor before they have been given a full 40 days to do their work in me.

This is a call, maybe just to an audience of one (me!), to pause for a renewal of why you have chosen to enter purposefully into this season. It is time to have a conversation with a trusted spiritual friend about your decisions and what God is teaching you through your practices.

May I, nor you, allow this Lenten season to mirror the path of most New Year's resolutions.

May we strengthen our resolve together to let the Spirit purify our lives so that Christ can reign in us and live through us! May we continue to be willing participants in the Spirit's work as He leads us to the joyous celebration of His resurrection!

Only 4 more weeks to go! Hang in there!

Shawn