Time Is on Our Side
Posted by Lynn Wehner in Faith on Thursday, February 17, 2011 11:09 AM
Are you preparing for Lent yet? I ask because, well, doesn’t it seem like we have an eternity to do so this year, with Easter falling so late in the Church calendar?
It has created an interesting dynamic in my circles. So many people I know are saying things like, “Man, I never say this, but I’m so ready for Lent,” “I feel like we should be in Lent already,” and “When does Lent begin again? It seems so late. I really need some spiritual focus.”
Truth be told, I often begin Lent in a last-minute flurry of prayer and intentions, as I scramble on that final Tuesday to decide what I’ll “give up” and “add in” for the next 40 days and nights.
Combine that with helping my kids do the same eleventh-hour holiness sprint, and I usually spend a very dizzy Ash Wednesday wondering what I just committed to anyway. And questioning if it’s really God’s call for my Lenten journey that year — or a product of my own intellect and reason.
So, is this year the gift I need to break that cycle? I’m hoping it is. A few things have already reached my heart (loud and clear!), and I’m praying on God’s will for me. What can I do — or not do — this year to really draw closer to Jesus on this road to Calvary and resurrection?
I long to experience the words of Isaiah 30:21 …
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”
Maybe this is my year for clarity, a year when I can really hear the voice of God.
What do you think? Is 2011’s “late” Easter simply messing with your Lenten planning and momentum? Or are you taking this extra time to really pray, really reflect, really discern the Lord’s call this year? God willing, we have time.
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