What Lent Means to Me, Part 1

I'm a planner. The only times I have an ounce of spontaneity in me are when I plan to do something spontaneous, and I'm not even sure that should count. For better and worse, I like to plan for the future and do everything I can to prepare well for that future. That's one of the reasons I love lent. It is a time of preparation. We know resurrection Sunday is coming, but in order to get there and to have it be meaningful, we have to go through a time of preparation. This takes intentionality. It takes some--GASP--discipline. It takes a willingness to look at our life and admit that some things are out of whack. That's reflection. Lent is a time that tells us to pause, examine ourselves and listen to that still, small voice of God. As lent begins, we are being offered an invitation to be still, hit the pause button and listen. The hustle and bustle of Christmas wasn't that long ago. We've been busy. Probably too busy. Now is the time to pause and reflect on where our spiritual lives are. How are we experiencing Christ? How are we missing Christ?

I love a prayer that is called the "Daily Examen." This is a prayer that gives us grace and challenge. We lay ourselves bare before God and ask where we drew close to God and where we were farther away throughout our day. Here's the best part of the prayer: You can do it right before you go to sleep. Just go to bed 5 minutes earlier, brush your teeth, and before you turn out the light, practice this prayer. You can learn more about the Daily Examen by clicking here. If you're one of those people with a Smart Phone, you can also download an app called "Reimagining the Examen." I have found it meaningful in my own spiritual life.

However you take time to reflect, do it. Find what works for you. Make room in your life for it. God is still speaking. We just need to take time to listen, and oftentimes only a few minutes can have a big impact.