Letting go

I wear the chain I forged in life. . . . I made it link by link and yard by yard.
I girded it on of my own free will,
and of my own free will I wore it.
--Charles Dickens  

It’s Lent, the 40-day period when Christians reflect on the time Jesus spent in the wilderness and his ultimate crucifixion and resurrection. For many, Lent is a time of quiet introspection. Some choose to make these forty days a tithe of this year of their lives, giving something up as a sacrifice to God. What began as largely a Catholic practice is now commonplace even among non-Christians, as people choose to give up a bad habit for a season, in hopes the change might last a lifetime.

What if, instead of giving up something for Lent, we chose to think of it as letting go? Let go of speaking too quickly or impatiently. Let go of an old resentment or broken relationship. Let go of insisting on doing things “my way or the highway.”

When we let go of things that hold us back from serving God fully, a remarkable thing happens. In place of impatience, God creates a space for listening. In releasing resentment, God gives a new sense of peace and belonging. And believe it or not . . . in letting go of the need to be in charge, we begin to more fully become the person we were created to be.

Take a deep breath. Now . . . let it go.

Monday This is the forty-first week of this project to pray with and for one another. Pause and reflect: How has your prayer life been changed or re-formed? Give thanks. Acts 16:25-31

Tuesday While Lent is a time for reflection, God still wishes for his children to live joy-filled lives. What one thing could you do that would increase your enjoyment of time spent with the Lord? 1 Timothy 6:17

Wednesday Regret over things past can rob us of delight in our present lives. How, through the grace of God, will you seek to make this year better than the last? Isaiah 41: 10

Thursday (Spring at last!) Spring is a time of renewal of all living things, a time to cast off the slough of winter and begin afresh. What is the one biggest time-waster in your life? Ask God to help you change. Jeremiah 7:13

Friday We are the Church—together. God has created each one of us to serve in unique fashion. What new way are you feeling called to serve God at the Church in the Circle? Joshua 24:14-15

Saturday Look deep today as you pray for yourself. Is there something God is calling you to do that seems impossible? Pray for God to answer your questions and ease your doubts. Now step out in faith and begin. James 1:5-6

SundayAnother “little Easter” to rejoice as members of the Family of Christ. As part of this family, how might you seek to improve your relationship with another? 1 Timothy 3:5

To hold, you must first open your hand. Let go. –Lao Tzu

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