The season of Lent this year is from Ash Wednesday, March 5 – Easter Sunday, April 20. I have a few resources to share with you, that I am using this Lent.
First, you can read more about the season of Lent here, in a blog I wrote in 2022.
Ash Wednesday is one of my favorite worship services, because our humanity is highlighted. As the ashes are drawn in the shape of a cross on your forehead or hand, the pastors say, “from dust you have come, and to dust you shall return.” Or something similar. Right now I could use that reminder, that everything is temporary. While good news is fleeting, so is all the bad news. A day to us is but a blink of an eye in the timeline of the world. Even when things feel scary, unmanageable, or infuriating, we know that there are many good people in the world. We can speak truth in love. We can stand up for what we believe in. I learned this kid’s song, “Stand Up, Stand Up” by Miss Katie, in church about ways we can take action. You can listen here. We can do our part to make sure our little area of the world is better because we are sharing our love.
Not every Christian church will have an Ash Wednesday service. If you are looking for one near you, I always recommend this, which is a tool to find a United Methodist Church near you. I am sure there are other tools, but this is my denomination.
Many Christians give up something for Lent to “fast” from it. Others take on a spiritual practice. Both are designed to help you focus more on God during the 40 days leading up to Easter. One thing I am doing is using the book Draw Close: A Creative Companion for Lent by my friend and colleague Stephanie Dunn. You can buy it from Upper Room Books or other sites. Here is a preview. I tend to use words, and I am sure I will as I contemplate each day’s word and reflection. I hope that I also let my other creative parts doodle, or at least not use only words to express my feelings and thoughts. #DrawCloseLent
Finally, this Lent, I invite us to consider using Mary Magdalene as our guide as a way to follow Jesus. You can find my devotion here, on my denomination’s website umc.org.
However you decide to journey through the Lenten season, I hope it draws you closer to God. You are a beloved child of God!
Redheadedrev 