I awake this morning, once again, to snow falling from the sky.  It has been an unusual wet, cold winter for us, or maybe not.  Maybe it has been more of a normal season and the previous dryer, warmer ones were the seasons in conflict.  Regardless, I know the world I live in is a confliction to the One who suffered and died for it.

At the Ash Wednesday service I made a promise to God to step out of my comfort zone.  In doing so I hope to defeat some of my fears and in the process to find gifts I have yet to discover.  I believe God makes opportunities for us to use those gifts He has given, but for abundant reasons we take a pass.  My promise was made Wednesday, on Thursday I got my first opportunity.  The church was in need of someone to do the children’s time Sunday morning.  I didn’t give myself time to think about it, I merely reacted with a yes expecting the dread to come after I was already committed.  But this time, the dread never came, as would be the customary.  I felt a calming peace, a joy of having this opportunity.  I knew God had responded to me with a blessing that was much greater than my fear.

Henri Nouwen once described Lent as the season during which winter and spring struggle with each other for dominance.  In my experience, spring eventually wins the struggle and the beauty created by it is magnificent! The new cycle of life begins once again bringing a feeling of warmth and hope comes alive!

I believe this ‘stepping out of my comfort zone’ will defeat much in me that has kept me from becoming the sanctified child my Lord expects.

Lord thank you for opportunities that bring me ever closer to you.

Tracie

As I begin my journey through the Lenten season, I awake this morning knowing immediately what it is I must do. Prayer, oh yes but I wanted something to set my mind in focus. When normally I would reach for my Bible, today, I was looking for a different guide. I stooped to look under the bed where I knew I would find one of Rick’s many devotional books. One in particular caught my eye and it just happens to be exactly what I was looking for (unbeknown to me at that moment). It is titled, ‘Eternal Seasons; A Spiritual Journey through the Church’s Year’ by Henri J.M. Nouwen. I offer this prayer as it is tugging at me hard.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Today the Lenten season begins. It is a time to be with you in a special way, a time to pray, to fast, and thus to follow you on your way to Jerusalem, to Golgotha, and to the final victory over death.

I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, human respect, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to these voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose the narrow road to life.

I know that Lent is going to be a very hard time for me. The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life. I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There are no times or places without choices. And I know how deeply I resist choosing you.

Please Lord, be with me at every moment and in every place. Give me the strength and the courage to live this season faithfully, so that, when Easter comes, I will be able to taste with joy the new life which you have prepared for me.

I offer this in your name, Amen.