reinbeck umc - the view out my window

As I stand looking at the starkness of the blonde wood chancel area I feel a certain sadness.  Today we "Stripped" the sanctuary as a way of visually participating in the passion of Jesus Christ. All the decorations: that beautiful Lamb of God banner, the gold of the cross and the candles, all the color is gone. Yet my sadness is not related to Christ's death.  I think my sadness is related to the passing of Lent.

I told some of you, that on Christmas Eve, after all the services were done, I took a deep breath.  As I lay in my bed unwinding waiting for sleep to wash over me, I had this terrible thought.  "I haven't started getting ready for Lent yet!!"  This extraordinarily early Lent, which seemed to start before Christmas, seemed to catch many of us unaware.  Advent is the season that is well known for catching us unaware, but Lent is supposed to be slower and more reflective.  Lent is supposed to be for introspection, pruning, discipline and sacrifice.

 Tomorrow will already be Monday of Holy Week, then Tuesday. . . well you know the rest.  It will only be a matter of days before Lent/ Easter 2008 will only be a memory. Or will it? . . .

I think the important question at the end of Lent is this.  How will I be different now?

1. I GOT HUNGRIER---Seeing your hunger for the study on the book of Romans has just increased even more, my own desire to be immersed in scripture.  We will do that again soon!

2. I STOOD IN THE TRUTH- The week I spent in my own personal lent, waiting for the medical tests to come back clearing me of a pretty serious cancer scare (coupled with an unrelated sore throat that kept me from visiting or going to Bible Studies) gave me some extra time to hear those words from Ash Wednesday echo through my head.  “From dust you came and to dust you shall return.”

3. I DETERMINED TO CHANGE- The immersion in the beatitudes has brought me face to face with places in my own life and character that don’t quite live up to the picture Jesus painted of the “happy” disciple.  (I hope it has done the same for you.)

The truth is that Lent may see early for us, but God is always ready for us to come hungry, face truth and change our lives to be more in line with Christ.  Lent didn’t come too early for God. 

Email me or post on this blog your own Lenten reflections.  How will you be changed by Lent 2008?  I want to hear your stories.