It’s February 9 and there’s a beautiful layer of snow coating my lawn; hard to believe it’s almost Lent. Everyone knows that Lent is a period of introspection and contemplation. During Lent, we are encouraged to take a hard look at our lives in order that we may turn more fully towards Jesus and towards living out his teachings. Most people, at various times, have committed to giving up things during Lent; when I was younger, chocolate, desserts and processed foods have all made my list, but I never lost a pound, and I never managed to stick to it either, because superficial things are so temporary. As I got older, and began to approach Lent as a time to grow in my faith and spirituality, I tried adding things into my life in order to more fully live into the true spirit of Lent: reliance on God, focus on God‘s presence, and a path to peacefulness. I simplified things; cut out the detritus that weighs us all down, and I felt transformed.
The snow today reminds me of something else, though, because part of Lent is about lying fallow: resting and preparing and strengthening for new growth. The cold and snow strengthen the seeds beneath them, and in the spring they grow with wild abandon, reaching for warmth and light. So part of my preparation will be rest and the contemplation that accompanies it; it will help me prepare for the joy of Easter.
The beginning of Lent is simple at West Suffield Congregational. On March 5, from 5 to 6 p.m., our sanctuary will be open for the distribution of ashes. There will be Taize playing overhead, and contemplative readings for those who choose to sit and reflect.
On Sunday, March 9, we have a pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., prior to our service at 10 a.m. All are welcome.