I've changed my mind.

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds 
cannot change anything. –George Bernard Shaw


Ash Wednesday has come and gone. As we begin another Lenten journey, we may have again decided, this year, to make a change in our lives for the forty days of Lent. Have you?

Have you decided to give up something that you will really miss, like chocolate, or social media, or cigarettes?

Or have you decided, perhaps, to give back something that could make a difference in the world, like volunteering to work a community meal, or participate in Right to Read?

Whatever decisions you may have made, you will be exactly as successful in your efforts as you think you will be. In other words, if you are doing something for Lent because everyone else is doing something for Lent (but it’s not really your cup of tea), you probably won’t have much luck sticking to it for six long weeks. The mind is a powerful tool. Just like that little train engine, if you think you can, you stand a much better chance of success.

The best way to strengthen your mind during whatever Lenten ritual you might be engaging is to focus. Whether you call it prayer, or meditation, or centering, set aside time every single day to be still and reconnect body, mind and spirit. Ask God to journey with you during these six weeks, and trust in God’s presence in your life. (If you haven’t decided to give or give up for Lent, perhaps your choice might be simply to add quiet time to your day. And if you just don’t seem to be able to stick to it—well, that’s okay. Try again. God loves offering second chances.)

Monday This project to pray with and for one another is in its fifth year. 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 is coming, 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 within your community of faith? 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

Sunday Every Sunday is another “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

Most folks are as happy as they make their minds up to be.
 –Abraham Lincoln


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