Here are some of my thoughts as we stand four Sundays from Easter, and as we approach the halfway point of Lent.
I'm finding a purer self--a less pretentious presence. These are days of frustrating humility, but deeper peace and stronger confidence. There is more a sense of being able to do whatever is needed, and less discouragement midst the little hassles.
These are quieter days. And I am quieter within myself. I am stronger in the face of all temptations (not just the temptations I've brought upon myself by saying I wouldn't participate in things I usually consider routine). I've gained a bit of self-assurance that I can do all things through Christ. I'm not saying that I'm superman, but I'm stronger in this weakness.
I understand the need for self-discipline and want to remember this place, and not fear coming here more often. There are a couple of things I've set aside for this season which I may leave aside. Others I will pick up with a new understanding of their insidious ability to become idols/addictions.
I'm a grateful follower of the way of Jesus. And this Lenten journey has carried sweet suffering.
2 comments:
i was reflecting on similar ideas just a couple of days ago... this is my first true Lent, so to speak... the first Lent when i consciously gave up something with a valid reason in mind... and it's kind of sad that i missed all these years' worth of blessings before than i have found in these short weeks of this Lent.
i love this quote by Brother Lawrence... "I know that for the right practice of it, the heart must be empty of all other things; because GOD will possess the heart alone; and as He cannot possess it alone without emptying it of all besides, so neither can He act there, and do in it what He pleases, unless it be left vacant to Him."
that's what Lent has been for me so far - trying to empty myself of what is not necessary. (the key word, frankly, is "trying," but like you and Paul said, I can do all things through Christ)
I love the Brother Lawrence quote! Thanks for sharing that Zena. One of my favorite books when I first got serious about faith was THE PURSUIT OF GOD, by A. W. Tozer. The second chapter is entitled: The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing. Actually, the first chapter (Following Hard After God) and the second were the most important to me. They have made a great impact as Bro Lawrence is for you right now. It is good to read the "devotional masters."
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