We are told that the word “Lent” is derived from an old English word that has a meaning similar to “Spring” — just about everyone’s favorite word recently, as we’ve seen the snow and ice melting and felt actual warmth from the sun. We all welcome spring with such gratitude as a sign that winter is ending, and yet we don’t always welcome Lent with the same enthusiasm. Is it because the season starts with Ash Wednesday, and we’re reminded of our own mortality, and that we and all those we love will die? Or is it that on Sundays the tone of worship is a little more serious, there are no flowers, the purple paraments look a little somber — while at the same time we’re planning trips to the garden center, getting out some lighter, brighter clothes to wear, and feeling pretty perky with spring on the way. Lent and Spring seem to be total opposites.
Spring is the time of new growth, a fresh start, a time of change — and change for the better. Well, let’s make a deliberate choice to let the season of Lent also be that time of newness and freshness. We can’t put out planters or plant a garden yet, but these next few weeks are a wonderful opportunity to grow spiritually.
For quite some time a different approach to Lent has been suggested. The concept is to encourage us to add something to our lives rather than give up a specific thing for Lent. We typically throw up our hands in dismay at the idea of adding anything to our busy lives. But try taking a few minutes of quiet at the end of the day, think of God’s presence in your life, the blessings of your day, and be thankful for them. When we do a small, new thing, personally or as part of a group, it’s like planting that seed or putting those puny little seedlings in the ground. God will take care of the growth, and that’s when amazing things can happen, whether within your heart, your home, in our church family, or farther away than we can even imagine.
“So neither those who plant nor those who water are anything, but only God who gives the growth. For we are fellow workers for God; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
– I Corinthians 3:7, 9
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers