Spring Cleaning

For a change Lent did not sneak up on me.  And probably because embracing a time of "wilderness" is right up my alley right now.  All alone.  In the wilderness.

I read recently that Lent offers us a time to refrain from something, or add something into our lives that causes our routine to change, to cause it to become a little off balanced.  And in experiencing that discomfort, that inconvenience, we are reminded that all that we fill our lives with, does not ultimately fulfill us. Lent gives us that yearly opportunity to refocus our hearts on the One whose life can fulfill us. Spiritual spring cleaning, so to speak.  Out with the soul clutter that inevitably starts to crowd our lives and in with a renewed sense of clarity about who we are and how we will live our lives.

But here's the rub.  I'm already off balanced.  Really. I am one of those blessed people who frequently loses the plot and stumbles through life in a haphazard, topsy turvy kind of way.  Even how I talk with God is bumbling.  A long time ago I finally stopped trying to make my prayers sound intelligent and "spiritual" and asked God to just make sense of the blatherings, wanderings and wonderings I do along the way.  Thankfully, He's okay with that.

Back to Lent.

So what does an already off balanced person do to become a little more off balanced to allow more focus on God?  Wandering into the wilderness sounds good to me.  Quiet.  No meals to cook.  No house to clean. No laundry to fold.  No bills to pay.

But Ken says I can't go.  So this is what I will do instead.

• I'll be careful with my time.  I will choose to say, "sorry, I've got a commitment" when I am asked to do A, B, C.   I'll forgo the good feelings I get from "doing" for others or by living up to what I think is expected of me. And instead maybe my commitment will be to lighting a candle to reflect and jot down my thoughts and allow my soul to be quieted so I can hear what God might be whispering in my ear.
• I'll take time to reflect on how those who are struggling financially in H.J. are helped.  What are the practical ways I can be involved?   Taking time to focus on the poor is like hitting a spiritual reset button for me.  From my understanding of the Bible, they are God's favourites and right away I know I'm on course if I'm making them a priority.
• I'll try to walk more than drive around town. Not only is it more kind to our planet but it causes my own internal rhythm to change.  I slow down internally when I slow down my physical pace.

Nothing big or flashy, just simple things to change it up and hopefully cause me to clean out the spiritual cobwebs.  

How about you?  How do you hit the reset button in your soul?  

Jesus,

You know I'm a terrible pack rat, holding onto things that only clutter my peace.  I look forward to doing some soul cleaning with you.  I love you.

'til next time,

Dianna