Contemplation. Reflection. Prayer.
These are hallmarks of the Lenten season. Although many of us “give up something” during Lent, this 40 day period is more about what’s going on inside — the interior conversion and conversation. We examine our lives, our words, actions, and begin to release old thought patterns and behaviors. These things can keep us from freedom — stuck in a rut. Introspection and prayer can reveal what blocks us from stepping out or climbing up explore the passion and desires that are found in our hearts. Often in the silence, in the quiet, when we still our busy minds, we begin to clearly hear those Divine whispers and insights that cause us moments of illumination or revelation — that ah-ha! moment that gives us purpose and renewed energy. These interior conversions are what lead to the changes in our behavior — the exterior renovation, as it were.
Honestly, most of the time these interior conversations aren’t easy. We usually avoid the silence because it means we have to allow our minds to process and it’s much easier to put the AirPods in and drown out the silence with our Spotify playlist or our favorite Netflix series. Cultivating these times of quietness and introspection is an intentional discipline. It is an act of humility to be vulnerable; to be true — first to ourselves and then to God. Pride builds walls on sandy foundations that will not weather a storm, but (in the short term) make it appear that everything is all well and good and we have it all together. Humility is an opportunity to acknowledge the incredible Divine grace that has been given, and to receive it with a grateful heart. This is where the change begins. Realizing that much of our “former way of thinking and living” is rooted in selfishness, pride, and self-sufficiency and cultivating the “new way of living” means we become selfless, humble, and dependent on others — community… and gosh, that can be difficult! It’s a journey. It doesn’t happen all at once. That’s why it is important to be intentional about creating space for reflection, confession, meditation, and prayer. During these times we can connect with the Divine, and in the process, we find ourselves becoming more and more like Christ.
Today, as we begin the 2021 season of Lent, let’s remember the three hallmarks:
- Prayer — seek times of deeper and more intentional connection with God. Take time to meditate and reflect. Quiet your mind and listen.
- Sacrifice — discover that giving up something can cause a greater focus and a deeper faith; whether it is something like abstaining from food or simply replacing your favorite TV show with a time of study and prayer.
- Giving — learn to become more selfless. Giving to the poor — finding a specific and unique way to directly impact someone can bring so much joy — to them and you!
As we allow the light of Christ to shine through us during these 40 days, may we each emerge as deeper, more thoughtful, selfless, humble, yet filled with incredible amounts of hope, peace, love, and abounding joy.
Grace and peace, my friends.