I think just about every faith and religion has its own version of a Lenten Season – a time where we ramp up self-denial, meditation, prayer, worship and service. It’s a time where we undergo a spiritual house-cleaning and prepare to celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. I’ve had many memorable Shrove Tuesdays beginning at Trinity Cathedral in Little Rock. One that brings a smile to my face is the Lenten season I spent while on sabbatical. My Lenten mates were “Breeze” and “Razor” and they referred to me as “Big Easy,” and although it was hard to think of something to give up while on sabbatical, we each chose something — mine was no grape pop for forty days. (Harder than you think given the circumstances). For those forty days we talked, prayed, meditated, and worked out not just to improve ourselves physically and spiritually, but to make our surroundings a little easier to tolerate. Let me tell you we had a heck of an Easter.
Luke 24:51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.
I have friends who have a hard time believing this image. Whether you do or not, realize that the blessing and the departure are bound together. The blessing happens in the leaving, through his leaving, because of his leaving. His mercy, his favor, and his protection are bestowed on his followers as they move on in their lives. The same goes for each and every one of us. God lets us go so we might receive his blessing.
Please join in the Lenten season. W.
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