Just last night you were reminded of your humanity -- that you are flesh and blood -- and that it is dust. Although this flesh and bloodness is fleeting, it is what characterizes much of what you do. So take a look at it as you stand at this first leg of your Lenten Journey. Today -- right now -- what comprises YOU. Take the short inventory (many of you are familiar with this).
How are you physically right now as you begin Lent? What are some of the physical hungers, or pains, or prides?
How are you emotionally right now? What is trembling for expression? What are some of the dominant feelings these days?
How is your mind functioning? Take a look at the patterns of thoughts -- are they linear or swirling? Muddied or clear? Even paced or racing?
This inventory reminds you of the YOU that is entering Lent. Just notice it -- no judgement necessary. In the midst of all of this, the seat of who you are as a child of God (the spiritual soulful aspect of your existence) has accepted God's invitation to walk this path of Lent. God is meeting you here, just as you are, not as you wish to be or think you should be.
Welcome!
Tomorrow: Further reflective preparations for reading your story (Your work with your own Once Upon a Time begins Monday!)
Deep sigh here. . . all of a sudden there seems to be soooo much to do! Good things, God things, to be sure! But it can be simply overwhelming! When all of the things I love to do get piled into one big heap, well, it's not fun anymore! It becomes frantic, panicky, I stop breathing. (Well only for short moments :) ) Each one of these delightful things I get the privilege to do is wonderful on its own (a baby shower for my dear sister in law and all the cooking and prep that goes along with it), running children to their myriad activities, worship, bulletins, newsletters, worship again. And then throw a funeral in there, which is a privileged time to be with a precious family. . . so taking each moment, one at a time, seems to be the exercise for these first days of Lent for me. Any advice my friend??
ReplyDeleteThis may seem trivial, but it is often the only way -- Don't look too far down the road (or even down the hours of the day). The only thing that you can really do is what is "there" in the hour (or the minute)at hand.
ReplyDeleteAlso, practice that discernment process: Am I the only one that can do this right now? You may want to ask for help with some of the tasks, including bulletins, newsletters, cooking for the shower (does it really all need to be homemade?).
Finally, always remember: Don't stop at telling God how large your list of activities is or the scope of your challenges (God already knows). Tell the list and the scope of the challenges how large and wise and powerful God is!