I was gonna start recapping writing projects this week but today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, so instead I’ll share this piece I wrote for Imago Dei Arts and Worship over the snowy weekend. The prompt was “Instructions for the Journey.”
Tips and Tricks for your Lenten Journey
If you aren’t sure what to give up, the first step is to inwardly ask: Who am I? Then: Who is the Holy Spirit making me into?
Becoming that person requires change, and change means letting go of comfort. Where do our life’s waters eddy into stagnant pools? What comforts us too much? You probably already know. If not, allow the Holy Spirit to hash through your habits and listen to where your conscience rings. Or just go with coffee.
Today is Ash Wednesday and Lent has begun. There’s no escape. You could start your own 40 day fast at a later time, but it doesn’t count as Lent. Just start today, then we’re all in this together.
The first three days are especially rough. Habits die hard. One way to let go is to learn when and where you want comfort. This is a good time to pray and then cope in more constructive and creative ways like drawing or going on a walk. After a week or so, you’ll notice your dependence subside. (It’s definitely not gone though.)
Here’s a crucial but overlooked angle of Lent: the fast is 40 days, but there are actually 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter. This is because Sabbaths are also a day of rest from fasting. I recommend resisting masochism and taking part in this practice, because it enhances our appreciation of fasting, Sabbaths, and whatever it is we’re fasting from.
You may fall short. Like you quit green beer and forgot about St. Patrick’s Day or something. That’s alright! Christ’s grace is always sufficient, even in Lent. He knows these fasts well. Get back onboard the next day.
Remember how the first three days are rough? That’s because they mirror the last three: Good Friday to Easter. All that confidence you built through the first 30 days of Lent will likely be tested over the home stretch. Ask for perseverance and the Holy Spirit will provide.
Have you ever bitten the peel before eating an orange? The pith is bitter but the crush of teeth also releases limonene so the taste of citrus is brighter and sweeter by contrast. My point here is fasting will make you very glad for Easter Sunday.
Epiphanies are not promised and you probably won’t give up whatever you’re giving up for good, but God is working in you anyway, sowing earth to yield the fruit of righteousness and self-control. These quests are one way the Holy Spirit renews us. May God bless our journey, friends.
Thanks. May use some of this in my meditation for this evening's worship.
Don't worry, I'll give you credit.
Thanks. Your words are filled with promise and inspiration for the journey.