Warming up winter
Do not be too quick to condemn the man who
no longer believes in God:
for it is perhaps your own coldness and avarice and
mediocrity and materialism
and selfishness that have chilled his faith. –Thomas
Merton
February in the northern hemisphere
can be a bleak, dismal time of year. The official halfway point of winter this
year is February 4—so in theory, it’s all downhill from here, right? Isn’t that
handy, to be able to look at a calendar and know
that in meteorological terms, anyway, this dark, cold, bleak season is half
done? The end is in sight. Somehow, that gives us strength to carry on, to take
a deep breath and keep on shoveling.
As we wander closer to Ash
Wednesday and prepare for Lent, it’s somehow fitting that we are also in the
coldest time of year. We have wrapped up the joyful celebrations of Advent,
Christmas and Epiphany; now we begin the other
high holy season, the time during which we are reminded again, in a different
way, just how deeply God loves us: enough not only to take on human form and
walk among us, but enough to die on the cross in a real victory over sin, death
and darkness.
And in a wonderful example of holy
humor, this year Ash Wednesday falls on . . . Valentine’s Day. On the day we
bestow gifts of chocolates and roses on those we love, this year we also begin
a thoughtful journey with Jesus, whose gift of love goes oh, so much deeper
than a clever Hallmark card.
Whether you give something up or
not, whether you add a good deed or donation to your Lenten walk, spend time
each day and remember. Remember the true sacrifice of Love, and give thanks.
Let God’s love warm your heart.
Monday Not everyone has a safe, warm place to stay in the winter. Consider donating to
a group that serves the homeless population. Deuteronomy 15:1-5
Tuesday Are you a gardener? Seed catalogs are coming soon! Think to the
future. Dream of new life. Psalm 37:37
Wednesday How are you feeling? Are you due for any checkups or
follow-ups? What’s keeping you from making the appointment? Today is a good day
for that. 3 John 2
Thursday Food banks and kitchens always need helpers. Are you able? Try
something new and volunteer to help sort or serve. It just might change your
life. Romans 12:2
Friday Invite a friend for coffee or a meal. Whether you cook or meet at a café, focus
on one another. Enjoy reconnecting. Mark
1:16-18
Saturday Begin this day with a time of quiet.
Set a goal of five minutes (or more if it’s your routine); increase that time
each week during Lent. Rest in the peace. Isaiah
30:18
Sunday Look around you. Reach out this morning
to someone who looks unlike you. Give
thanks for the beautiful diversity in God’s children. Genesis 2:19-20
Look around now: Leaves are brown, and the
sky is a hazy shade of winter. –Paul Simon
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