Dear Friends,

I have thoroughly enjoyed the few days of springlike weather that we recently experienced with warmer temperatures and sunshine. With the forecast for a bit more snow, I realize that spring is not as close as I hoped and that we will have to endure a bit more of winter before getting there. I see this as an analogy for Easter. I can’t wait for Easter Sunday, but I know that we must go through the season of Lent to arrive.

Although Jesus’ time in the wilderness was grueling, our time during Lent doesn’t need to be dreadful. We can look at this season as an opportunity to transform our lives to be more open to and in a better relationship with God. This can be an exciting time of growth.

Several folks have reached out to me asking for guidance with their Lenten discipline. Although we are a couple of weeks into the season, it is not too late to start, change or add to your current practice. Maggie Dawn, an English author and theologian offers 40 ways to keep a joyful, thankful and holy Lent. I would like to share some of my top favorites for your consideration:

  1. Choose a new musician or artist and listen to their work regularly throughout Lent.
  2. Say “I’m sorry”. Is there a relationship that needs healing?
  3. Send a brief email, make a phone call or send a note to a friend every day or week during Lent.
  4. Make a point of smiling and saying “thank you”.
  5. Power down. Take a break from your electronics committing to “power off” hours as you spend time with your family and friends.
  6. Read all the way through one Gospel of your choice.
  7. Say a prayer of thanksgiving every day.
  8. Take your unwanted clothes and household items to a charity for donation.
  9. Turn your heat down one or two degrees to save energy.
  10. Find a source for locally grown food or try growing something yourself!
  11. Take a daily walk.
  12. Clean the windows to let the sunshine in!

And to add my own:

  1. Practice “Praying in Color” using coloring as a prayer tool. (prayingincolor.com)
  2. Participate in Forward Movement’s Lent Madness to learn more about the Saints of the church. (lentmaddness.org)
  3. Attend our family Wednesday night dinner and movie program. This is a terrific time of fellowship and learning during the season.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Whatever you choose to do or abstain from in this Lenten season, may this be a time of spiritual growth and opportunity and not just merely a time of endurance.

Blessings,

Gini+