Thursday, February 23, 2012

Oh, Lent.

I received an e-mail from a friend from a congregation I served some years ago.

"I get it!" my friend wrote. "I finally get why you said you liked Lent/Easter more than Easter."
I don't remember saying that, but I'm sure somewhere along the line I talked (and talked and talked and talked) about taking the journey to the cross and what that adds to one's Easter joy.

I'm glad my friend feels like she's off to an enriching start to the Lenten season.
I feel as though I've been living in Lent for such a long time.
Months and months and months of Lent.

I have felt penitential, somber and sad for what feels like forever. I know of God's grace. I feel sheltered by God's love. I can even convincingly proclaim the Good News.

I think I'm tired as much as anything else.
Nothing new there, either.

Oh, Lent. Help me find a wellspring in this desert.

5 comments:

Terri said...

Oh Jennifer, I completely understand how you feel. Although I am not in that place and space at this point in time I have been, I spent YEARS in it - close to five year or more....just icky to be in that space...even knowing that God is with you and loves, still icky. So. prayers my friend. It will pass, but knowing that doesn't always help while one is in it....love you, friend. and remember all the kindness you sent my way while I was in the muck. Let me know if I can do anything for you, even just listen, if that would help.

kwpershey said...

What she said.

Prayers for you, friend. You are beloved.

Unknown said...

Jennifer, I've been thinking a lot this week about the resources Jesus called upon during his forty days n the desert. May you find the things that feed you and keep you from being parched along the way.

Jan said...

Jennifer, dear one, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Katherine E. said...

Heart hug to you, Jennifer.