Reflections on the start of Lent

For those who are of Christian faith, the season of Lent is upon us. Lent is the 40 day period (excluding Sunday) leading up to Easter or Resurrection Sunday. Lent is a time of inward reflection, often coupled with abstinence from a certain thing: sweet food, meat, social media, you name it - someone is probably abstaining from it.

Other use Lent as a time to take something on: getting up 30 minutes early to have some quiet time with God, writing a letter a day to someone they've lost touch with, going for walks with friends or family each day, or starting a devotional in order to guide their time.

As a new mom, I am surprised at how quickly my entire life has shifted to being focused on this tiny human and how the time I once to have for myself has disappeared overnight. Often in my work, I am reminded how precious of a commodity our time is. These days, I am even more aware of that notion.

This Lenten season, I have committed myself to two things: reading a devotional, and spending 30 minutes each day moving my body in a way that connects me back to myself. Currently, I'm practicing yoga and being gentle with my body. The book I've chosen to read is Good Enough by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. While I've only just begun to scratch the surface of this work, I have already been moved to tears, and been challenged to remember that life is short, life is full of ups and downs, and that in the midst of the mess: there is joy and hope to be found in the midst of it all.

The structure of a good day is simply this: your biggest loves find their way in. God. Friends. Meaning. Family. Take some real unhurried time to reflect on how a spiritual practice might pop into your day. When is it practical for you? What is your preference? - Kate Bowler

I am reminded that we cannot rush relationship. Especially the relationship that we have with our Creator. Relationship takes time to cultivate. Relationship cannot be forced. It must be nurtured, it must be approached tenderly and with grace. Lent is a time to reflect and move toward action. I pray that this Lent is a time where you find rest, renewal and are challenged to nurture your relationship with God, and in turn, those around you.