Hard to believe that we are already entering the Lenten Season. Ash Wednesday is February 18 and we will kick off the season turning our attention to fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These are all activities meant to quiet our minds, still our hearts, and allow us to draw near to God. We will hear the words “You are dust and to dust you shall return” as ashes are marked on us. We recognize the frailty of our existence, the reality of our personal and corporate sin, and our deep need for Jesus, who forgives our sin and gifts us with eternal life.
Lent is a forty-day reminder for us that it is God who saves. It is an invitation from God that requires a response from us. Not a response to “choose salvation” but a response of heart-filled gratitude as we continue to encounter Jesus, who was willing to go to all lengths to redeem us. God is at work in us, and in the world around us. And this time and journey through Lent is an invitation to grow deeper in relationship and in ministry with God.
I think the Lenten (and Advent) seasons are the most meaningful times of the year, because it begs us to slow down and focus on our relationship with God. We can get so busy in our lives that we don’t take the time to slow down to witness and experience God’s action in our lives. We don’t focus on our relationship with God. And in these special seasons on the liturgical calendar, we turn ourselves inward to focus on slowing down, breathing in God’s goodness, and drawing near to God.
Take this time with me to examine our relationship with God, (individually and corporately). Join me on this journey and grow with me and with each other.
Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Blessings in this journey,
Pastor Patti