Lent & Simplicity

Is the Christian season of Lent a vague concept to you? The meaning of Lent has been unclear to me most of my life. This year, though, I’m allowing it to be much more personal for me.

For reference, this year the season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday (March 6) and ends on Holy Saturday (April 20) right before Easter. As a side note, I went through a drive through at a church and got ashes formed into a cross and smeared onto my head on Wednesday (who knew that there were drive-through options for this?) And, the pastor said, “From ashes you came and to ashes you will return.” That pronouncement doesn’t sound very encouraging from the outside, but as I was driving away, I felt relief and peace. Sometimes I try to be super-woman and I let out a big exhale remembering my own humanity and frailty in such a visceral way. Remind me to tell you about how I went to a Thai restaurant afterwards and people were staring at the black ash on my head. 

My signature blogging style has been to be very vulnerable and open but in this post I’m going to be more subtle. Partly, because some of the things I’m giving up this Lent are close to me and I’m not ready to talk about what I am experiencing yet. And, that’s okay. As you know from previous posts, I have wrestled with big life questions such as my purpose as a woman and my future. I’ve talked a lot about the “messy middle.” Well, Lent for me this year is a time to sit in the mud of my own messy middle places without distractions and begin to simplify my life. For me this simplification is intertwined with repentance and turning back to God by remembering that I don’t need to be or do everything. It is okay to stop and get in touch with the true and deeper longings of my heart- the ones that things like Facebook, Instagram, emails and Netflix can’t quite reach.

Today, there was something about the quiet, the stormy Seattle- like weather, the slowing down, and the getting rid of things that brought tears to my eyes. When I finally stopped moving and listened to my heart – it was interesting to see what surfaced. Maybe there is some grief that I didn’t realize was still there or maybe relief- whatever it is- I’m learning to embrace it all without judgement. I tried to let it come and go like waves that crash in – cleansing the beach of my mind and heart – just as swiftly go back out.

Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, which means “spring.”I love that the meaning of the word Lent is “spring!” Don’t we all need a little spring-time in our lives right now? This Indiana winter has felt so dang cold and long this year!

Another way to think about Lent is spring cleaning. Is there any area of your life or you mind that has become cluttered and needs sorted out? Today has been one of those days for me. I have been sorting papers, folding clothes, and getting rid of things that I don’t need. Doing this, creates space for whatever is coming next in my life.

So, in this Lent season, I am going to be intentional with time in order to give myself space to be with myself and with God and see what comes to the surface. It’s kind of exciting and a little bit scary as I am not sure of the outcome.

Maybe you need this too in your life? Has your mind, heart, or home become cluttered? Is it time to step back and let go? Join me and many other people around the world who are also re-setting their hearts and minds this season.

My friends at Renewal Ministries Northwest have some wonderful prayer guides that might help you during this season: http://renewalminnw.org/resources/prayer-excercises/

If you need someone to talk to in this season, I am still offering a free life coaching session – where I will explain to you what life coaching is all about.

Blessings and Love to each of you, Shelley