But, in recent years I've grown more intrigued with its traditions.
Today is Ash Wednesday. In the tradition, ashes are placed on the foreheads of those who come to repentance. The ashes are a visible reminder of our human frailty, "For dust you are and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19) as well as an age-old sign of repentance. They serve as a reminder of how very human we are. Trust me, I'm feeling very human today!
Ash Wednesday also marks the start of the 40 days of Lent, leading up to easter. Traditionally, something is given up for Lent in order to allow one to focus more on Christ.
My friend Katie posted an amazing article on her blog. It's called: "Practicing Lent: Cleaning Our Messy House" by Ruth Haley Barton and you can find the whole article at: http://www.thetransformingcenter.org/pdf/ash10.pdf
I liked that she looked beyond the idea of just abstaining from something for Lent to a much more holistic approach. Using Matthew 6 as a pattern, she details several disciplines that can help us remove distractions from our lives that will allow us to "create more space for God."
With the brain cells I have left tonight, I am considering how these might be part of the next 40 days of my life. I am determined not to "clutter" my life by doing lots of "cool" or good things (probably halfway). I am still doggedly pursuing my four goals for this year and in light of those, looking at these to see what I might be able to incorporate, thoughtfully and realistically.
- How will I give? (v. 2, 3) Lent is a time for “giving things up” balanced by “giving to” those in need.
- How will I pray? (v. 5-13) As we “give up” some of our usual distractions, it creates more space for prayer. Perhaps there is a prayer practice (such as fixed hour prayer) that God is inviting us to during Lent.
- Who do I need to forgive and from whom do I need to seek forgiveness? (v. 14, 15) Seeking forgiveness and offering forgiveness creates space for God’s grace to flow in our lives.
- How will I fast? What do I need to abstain from in order to create more freedom and space for God? (v. 16-18)
- What earthly treasures am I attached to and how can I let go? The way we use our time, financial resources and energy reflect powerfully on what we treasure. Is there any specific way in which God is inviting us to “let go” of our attachment to some earthly treasure—at least for this season? (v. 19-21)
1 comment:
glad you liked the article!
I was going to ask you if you had read anything by Ruth Haley Barton? I was introduced to her a few years ago by Emily Prevost. I heard Ruth speak last week and picked up two more of her books! She is wonderful. I am beginning a season of 'silence and solitude'...she has guided me a lot!
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