Where will your Lenten discipline take you?

"For you are a people holy to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured possession . . .the Lord set his heart on you . . ." - Deuteronomy 7:6-7

Dear Friends in Christ -

And so, today, Lent shuffles in on quiet foggy feet jostled along by a cold gusty wind. The Farmer's Almanac promises a taste of Spring around the corner. I can't wait.

Sometimes Lent happens almost entirely before Spring arrives. This year, Lent forms something of a seasonal bridge from Winter to Spring. Hopefully Lent will also be a time when whatever is wintry in our hearts also is transformed into fresh springy newness.

The source of newness in our hearts is ALWAYS God, in one manifestation or another. Have you adopted a Lenten discipline that will cause you to encounter God on a regular basis? Let's face it, while giving up chocolate or eating more fish might be good for your body, it likely won't get you closer to God.

In the run-up to this Lent, I have prayed long and hard about my own Lenten discipline. Usually I choose a Lenten discipline through which I can accomplish something - I give up chocolate secretly hoping to lose a few pounds. Or I commit to reading the Bible secretly hoping to find a few nuggets I can use in my sermons. Even when I "succeed" I generally fail to get closer to God. Soo . . . this year, something different . . .

This year, my discipline is to engage in one act of random kindness, delighted laughter and/or senseless beauty. Why this? Because whether I succeed or whether I fail, I think God will find me and I will find God in the midst of it.

What's your discipline? Will it take you closer to the One who has set his heart on you?
Blessings,
Janet+