<\/p>\n
Like resolute hikers, we move into the mid-point of our Lenten journey and deep enough into the woods to wonder why we started. Perhaps we have even forgotten our destination.<\/p>\n
Here, we are \u2018hemmed in behind and before\u2019 by a shadowy thicket of tree trunks. We look over our shoulder and wonder if it would be less taxing to turn back \u2013 return to the comfortable sameness of our lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cI gave up meat on Friday\u2019s,\u201d my friend said with an annoyed wave of her hand. \u201cBut I don\u2019t really see the point.\u201d<\/p>\n
We are tired. But most disturbing, that curmudgeonly voice in our head tells us this journey is without meaning, representative of outdated liturgies, and a silent God. Certainly, we must turn back before we waste another minute or before evening arrives and the outstretched branches turn ominous and we lose sight of the path home.<\/p>\n
There is a pillar of wisdom which states that what we give our attention to, grows. This applies to gardens, fear, and faith. When I volunteered to Ben that I would like to write about faith, I considered myself above average in what I knew, believed, and loved about God. Now a year of columns later, I understand how blithely na\u00efve was that belief. But I also discovered my life\u2019s purpose and passion. When a friend recently asked if I\u2019d run out of topics to write about, I guffawed \u2013 yes, I guffawed \u2013 and said I\u2019ve only begun to plumb the depths of my pursuit of God. Purpose and passion are the linchpin of any endeavor.<\/p>\n
I would like us to pause here in our darkened woods. Not turn back, but pause and take stock. Why are we doing Lent this year? Are we moving with automaton efficiency from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday without paying attention?<\/p>\n
Purpose is the attention we must pay. As we pause on the trail, let\u2019s be very brave and ask why for that matter, we attend church each Sunday? Is it an obligation we fulfill and then like getting the car washed, tick it off our list of things to do?<\/p>\n
If you are sleepwalking through the forest of your faith, stop. Now. It\u2019s not too late give meaning to this expedition. But you must act on your own behalf, you must consider: what is the point?<\/p>\n
Because in the dark woods we stand on sacred ground.<\/strong> This barren wasteland in our Lenten journey is where we encounter Jesus Christ during his forty-days in the desert before he began his mission to save the world. This is where we encounter God, who loved the world so much that he sent his only son to save us. This is where we encounter the Holy Spirit who will pray on our behalf when words no longer convey our desolation.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s see our Lenten journey as a miniature of a lifelong walk of faith. During Lent, we vow to walk with Jesus to the cross. To stand by his grave until his resurrection on Easter morning. But afterward with a sigh of relief, we return to our lives grateful to have completed our task.<\/p>\n This week, let\u2019s take thirty minutes to sit quietly with God. Ask ourselves honestly why we go to church, what we are seeking in our relationship with God, whether we are willing to open our heart to him, if we will embrace the adventure of pursuing our faith with the passion we reserve for love and career.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s resume our Lenten journey with fresh perspective. Step back onto the path with renewed vigor. Before we imagined ourselves accompanying Christ like obedient disciples, now let us see Christ walking by our side \u2013 but not for a season. Through the sun-dappled forest, we understand this is not Lent, this is life.<\/strong> We are no longer alone, we walk with God with purpose and passion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Like resolute hikers, we move into the mid-point of our Lenten journey and deep enough into the woods to wonder why we started. Perhaps we have even forgotten our destination. Here, we are \u2018hemmed in behind and before\u2019 by a shadowy thicket of tree trunks. We look over our shoulder and wonder if it…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":610,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[17,4,5,10,16,2,6],"class_list":["post-81","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-everyday-faith","tag-bible-reading","tag-everyday-faith","tag-god","tag-jesus","tag-peace","tag-suzanne-elizabeth-anderson","tag-trust"],"yoast_head":"\n