Lent is a season of the church calendar which begins on Ash Wednesday, and culminates with the great celebration of Easter. This season helps us recognize that we are not able to provide for ourselves, and prepares us to receive God’s overwhelming gift of new life.
Lent is a lot like working in the yard, or farming, in the spring. Before we can plant any new life, we need to clear away all the signs of death that have accumulated. It takes discernment to know the difference between dead plants and those which are dormant, preparing to produce new life. We need to remove the fallen branches and dead grass, and trim back the plants that threaten to overgrow the entire space. We need to prepare the ground by working with the soil or even reshaping the entire space. Often we will need to remove rocks or other obstacles, and bring in new soil.
I also understand Lent to be like spring cleaning. We open the spaces that have been crammed full and kept tightly closed. We examine the things we have accumulated; the things have taken over our space and our lives. We weigh our options and decide which things we will let go. We let in light and fresh air and move things around to make space for new things. We openly acknowledge that it is easy for our things to take over without our even realizing it.
Many people mark Lent by deciding to either break a habit that reflects a specific coping mechanism, or to establish a new practice that reflects their freedom in Christ. Some people tell others what they are doing, as a way to be accountable, and other people avoid telling others because they see it as between themselves and God. There is value in each method.
So the question is: How would you like to make way for new growth this year?
[ Lent image created by jezobeljones ]
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In