United Church of Warsaw

February 2008

Today is a beautiful day. The snow is falling (no wind to speak of), and the snowflakes are the big, fluffy variety – it is a picture postcard day…unless you are trying to drive in the ice and slush, or needing to shovel the zillions of these beautiful flakes. My view of the snowstorm from the warmth of the Manse study is delightful, and I can comfortably take time to appreciate the beauty of today. A change of circumstances (like trying to drive to Buffalo in this weather) might significantly alter my opinion of the storm outside this window.A change in circumstances can indeed invite a change in perspective!

There is a saying in Scotland – “a change is as good as a rest.” It reminds us that doing something differently – changing something – can leave us feeling rested, revitalized, and give us a whole different perspective on life. Sometimes a little “shake-up” can make all the difference – a positive difference.

Lent is the season for just such a shake-up. We began the year in Advent with the anticipation of the birth of the Christ, and then celebrated God’s gift of love at Christmas. The Christmas season led into Epiphany – a time to discover the many way God is revealed to us. Now deep in the darkness of winter, we find ourselves in Lent. Lent is one of the oldest seasons in the Christian calendar, and has always been a time to prepare for the joy and wonder of Easter! It is the winter that leads into spring – a time to prepare for new life and rebirth. For Christians, it is a time to prepare to experience a spiritual spring, with the rebirth and rejuvenation of our spirits.

Throughout history, people have approached Lent in many different ways. Most try to attend worship faithfully throughout the six weeks of this season. Many make the effort to attend special opportunities forprayer and learning. Some use the time to seriously take stock of their relationship with God and others, and see if a change of direction (the true meaning of repentance) is required.

There is also the popular “giving up something for Lent” (fasting) – usually something that you love and need to learn to enjoy in moderation, or something you know is not good for you. I have watched people “fast” from things like gossip, worry, over-use of credit cards or drugs/alcohol, with each person finding what is uniquely their weakest link, and working to come to terms with it. Some, take a different approach – instead of giving something up for Lent, they take on something new. Perhaps it is a new good habit that they want to get “bedded in” during these 40 days, like service to those in need, care for one’s health, developing a more regular prayer life – there are as many different approaches as there are people!The key is this: Do something different that will help you to be more in touch with God. Shake things up a bit – get a different perspective! Use these forty days constructively and creatively to open yourself to the God that loves you more than you can imagine. In doing this, you will be preparing yourself to move through the darkness of winter into the beauty and joy of spring – the Resurrection!

In the words of this ancient call to the Christian Church:“Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great

devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season

of penitence and fasting…I invite you, therefore in the name of the

Church, to the observance of a holy Lent…”

Be open to the amazing possibilities that await you this Lent!

With love and prayers,
Kim