Have you had it with snow shoveling? Are you frustrated trying to get an appointment for a COVID vaccine? Don’t you want to get away, or maybe just get back to normal?
Before you answer these questions, remember, we have just entered the Season of Lent So, is there anything you would like to sacrifice for this penitential season? What are you giving up?
I trust most of us believe we’ve already sacrificed enough. The pandemic’s fatigue, coupled with the winter doldrums, has taken its toll. It may be a bit too much to ask you to sacrifice more these 40 Lenten days. Booze, chocolate, cigarettes, and other traditional pleasures may be items that won’t be surrendered in the days preceding this Easter.
Instead, how about looking at Lent as a time to be reflective? That may seem contrary to our desires to escape our imposed “stay-in-place” confinement and “social distancing” mandates. But Lent may be the exact time for us to refocus our priorities.
The Ash Wednesday Gospel message that welcomes Lent has Jesus inviting us to “go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father (Matthew 6:6).” Yes, given our current pressures, we want to burst out of our rooms. However, a time to pause may be more beneficial. Rather than give something up, set aside a few moments each day this Lenten Season for personal reflection. Turn off the computer, radio, and television and take a moment to assess your personal relationships, your life’s passions, and the true priorities that should guide you.
Lent is for personal reflection. So, reflect. Go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father.
Additionally, reflect with us each Sunday for worship. We gather this First Sunday of Lent, February 21st, at 9:15 AM (indoors) or 10:30 AM (outdoor drive-in) for our half-hour worship services.